THE B

Coaching

Episode Summary

Learning and development are one of the most critical enablers of a sustainable business operation model. Coaching is one of those pillars that support people's agenda to ensure we have the right assets dining the right thing. Coaching is replacing an otherwise old and outdated, primarily ineffective performance review as a framework for people management. In this episode, we are talking about coaching, the type of coaching, and the difference between coaching "Rookies" and "Veterans." Last but not least, we are sharing the guiding principles of successful and effective coaching.

Episode Notes

Coaching is replacing an otherwise old and outdated, primarily ineffective performance review framework for people management. Coaching is an effective way to create a link between employee and manager with agility beyond formal and less frequent performance review meetings. Furthermore, coaching creates an environment of trust as opposed to anxiety caused by performance review sessions. 

There are two vehicles of coaching:

  1. Calendar-driven, which is more formal and scheduled ahead for a long time, focuses on continuous guidance.
  2. Event-driven: is the opposite of the latter as it builds around a specified goal and timeline.

Coaching "Rookies" vs. "Veterans" differs in few dimensions:

  1. Feedback: both rookies and veterans need feedback. However, rookies respond and seek positives as they look for clues if they are on the right track. Hence they need reaffirmation or validation of the direction they are taking. On the other hand, veterans look for the opposite as they react to negative feedback as they don't lack confidence. They need corrective coaching or what we call calibration.
  2. Direction: a US Navy Commanding Officer once said that "they are all that thrust but no vector" when asked about coaching rookies. It means that rookies need a channel that helps direct their energy the right way. Instead, veterans need coaching that helps them find a more efficient path as they seem to get stuck in their old way of doing things.
  3. Making connections: rookies need to be introduced to a network that helps them navigate tasks or careers. Veteran needs a helping hand to get out of their echo chamber and seek fresh minds and ideas that challenge the status quo.

What are the guiding principles of successful and efficient coaching: 

  1. It must be built on an employees' development plan on his/her natural talents and interests.
  2. Create a relationship of trust and respect. It is about active listening and creates two-way communication.
  3. Audit employees' world of work and remove obstacles to success. 
  4. Provide perspective to what employees can't see

It is essential to understand that coaching becomes critical to help workers overcome the new working environment's challenge and build a trust relationship between managers and teams. Google, for instance, reacted to that need and called out "be a good coach" as the difference between a good manager and a great manager. 

Enjoy and please follow-up and stay tuned for our next episode.