The Capable Coach
What is the difference between coaching an employee and managing an employee?
Coaching becomes an active role that helps build the team environment.When you are coaching another employee you must think about it as helping them achieve the set goal, working together in a set path.
I believe managing employees comes down to making sure they do what is expected of them, and Coaching is helping them to understand what is expected of them and helping them grow. Being willing to do whatever you ask your employees to do shows them you are a team player and you can and are willing to stand beside them to make the company better.
Anne,
and this helps them overcome the feeling that everyone else is getting it or is perfect except for me.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Latrina,
this really is the value/benefit of coaching summed up in a nutshell.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Coaching allows an opportunity for dialogue and builds a trusting relationship which will promote better performance and a positive atmosphere.
I like Ramon's comparison to a high school coach, "the Coach was on your side, he could be blunt, he could be harshly critical, yet you knew he was on your side and his goal was for you, the team, and himself to succeed. In fact he pushed you to be a champion ..." Yes, coaching requires a level of rapport between the employee and the coach ... trusting each other, active listening, and direct and honest communication ... all by both parties.
I like Ramon's comparison to a high school coach, "the Coach was on your side, he could be blunt, he could be harshly critical, yet you knew he was on your side and his goal was for you, the team, and himself to succeed. In fact he pushed you to be a champion ..." Yes, coaching requires a level of rapport between the employee and the coach ... trusting each other, active listening, and direct and honest communication ... all by both parties.
I think Tim's comment on using examples of his own issues is right on. Testimonials are powerfully persuasive whether it's letting an employee know you struggled with some things and overcame them or using examples of other employees who have succeeded after a struggle. "Real people" examples make it seem more achievable than simply a, "I believe in you and know you can do it," type of approach.
As a professional hypnotherapist, I am vry familar with the power of words. Just as hypnosis is not limited to the client's time in the "recliner" (you'll find the words and techniques on TV commercials, as you listen to a sales pitch or a politician, etc.), I don't think coaching has to be limited to the specific face-to-face time. General office conversation (even on-the-go or in passing) can easily incorporate coaching language and techniques ... the praise, the right questions, the gentle mention of agreements that needing attention.
A proper amount of positive feedback, specifically mentioning areas of their accomplishment or skill is invaluable. The more anyone feels appreciated and respected, the more loyalty they have to the company ... the more they feel as if what they do matters, the more they feel as if they are an integral part of the overall success of the business.
anne
When you are managing, you are overseeing the work and performance of an employee. When you are coaching, you are helping others to develop skills, abilities to perform and improve attitudes among others; in order to contribute to the wellbeing of the coachee and the goal achievement of the organization.
very good comparison of the two.
Managing involves performance reviews and more objective. Coaching is developing a trusting relationship and more about motivating and employee to achieve his or her best
Scott,
I think this is a good distinction as coaching does tend to focus on the whole person rather than just task focus.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe the difference between coaching and managing is basically one is based upon culture (coaching) and managing is based upon command and control (structure). Coaching an employee involves influencing and developing that employee's skills to become successful within the company. Managing an employee deals with overseeing what that employee is doing on a daily basis.
I think when you coach someone they are more open to taking suggestions. I believe this is better for both parties the person being coached and the person doing the coaching.
Tammy ,
this is true & they are definitely complementary concepts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Coaching an employee is more about guidance and support using more of an informal technique than managing and evaluating. Although several techniques of coaching and managing are similar in support, they are done differently. Coaching takes a more personal and agreed upon route.
I think coaching and managing can go hand and ahand, however the term managing seems very parental
