Imagine leading an inspired team of high producing employees. Imagine if everyone on your team was as invested in the success of your business as in their own personal success; and going a step further, they understood that those two were not separate, but congruent…
Imagine a team without a single under-achiever, troublemaker, or malcontent — a team that ran on trust, respect, engagement, excellence, and working toward a common goal.
Does this all sound like a pipe dream?
What if I said that you — as manager — have a great deal to do with whether such a team is possible? You are your team’s fearless leader (emphasis on the word leader.) How you lead can make a huge difference in the results you get from your team.
Coaching means working with your staff — either in groups or one-on-one — to give each team member the skills and support needed to become the best employee they can be.
Coaching your team will…
- Build team spirit and enhance productivity
- Position you as a role model for the team to emulate
- Build quality relationships
- Increase your team’s overall results
Does any of that sound good? If so, here are 5 tips to make you a great coach:
- Listen. Give your direct reports the same attention that you’d give the CEO. Ask questions, paraphrase, and allow space for pauses. (Great coaches do more listening than talking.)
- Ask the right questions. Ask for the other person’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Ask about next steps and alternative solutions.
- Employ self-management. Wait until your staff member has finished before responding. Keep your emotions in check. Be responsive, not reactive.
- Show respect and build trust. Keep your word. Show respect in attitude, word, and tone of voice. (Tip: Sarcasm destroys trust quickly.)
- Communicate. Let your direct reports know your thoughts, your reasoning, your vision. Respect must be a two-way street.
Coaching is a big investment of time and energy, but the payoff is your dream team. Have you created a dream team through effective coaching? Share your tips for great coaching!