Coaching Skills

Leaders and managers have varied aptitudes for coaching. One way to acquire coaching skill is to study basic principles and suggestions and then practice them. Another is to attend a training program for coaching that involves modeling (learning by imitation) and role playing. Here we examine a number of suggestions for coaching, all of which might also apply to coaching a group or a team as well as an individual.

Define the issues and communicate clear expectations to group members. A logical first step in coaching a subordinate is to explain why you are coaching that person in the first place. Effective coaches build personal relationships with team members and work to improve their interpersonal skills. Having established rapport with team members facilitates entering into a coaching relationship with them.

Give feedback on areas that require specific improvement. To coach a group member toward higher levels of performance, the leader pinpoints what specific behavior, attitude, or skills require improvement. Listening is an essential ingredient in any coaching session. An active listener tries to grasp both facts and feelings. Observing the group member’s nonverbal communication is another part of active listening.

To perform at anywhere near top capacity, individuals may need help in removing obstacles such as a maze of rules and regulations and rigid budgeting. Give emotional support and empathy. By being helpful and constructive, the leader provides much-needed emotional support to the group member who is not performing at his or her best. Too much advice giving interferes with two-way communication, yet some advice can elevate performance. Also, workers being coached usually expect to receive some advice.

Allow for modeling of desired performance and behavior. An effective coaching technique is to show the group member, by example, what constitutes the desired behavior. Unless the leader receives a commitment from the team member to carry through with the proposed solution to a problem, the team member may not attain higher performance. Effective coaches on the playing field and in the workplace are cheerleaders. They give encouragement and positive reinforcement by applauding good results. Good results, of course, can only be applauded if results are measured.