coaching is more rewarding and helps others see their pontential. Through coaching your job as a manager is almost nonexistent. People will be put in positions to be successful and see areas that need improvement.
Marjorie,
this is definitely a tough situation. I would agree with your description that what you are experiencing is not coaching. It is, at best, management. I would encourage you to seek a mentor that would be able to provide the coaching & encouragement you need. While not ideal, it might help some.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have a hard time with this. I understand what a coach is suppose to be that that is not the way it is delivered where I teach at. Most time a "coaching session" is one where there is repremand involved. That is confusing based on what I keep reading. I do not have "coaching" sessions with my boss that inspire or empower me to reach my goals. Often I have the opposite. I have a goal that I want to reach and I am told that I can't do that or the opportunity is not the right time. As a matter of fact when I have had a "coaching" session I felt the opposite of value and efficient. Yet, I write all the new course objectives and course outlines while my boss gets all the credit for it.
Pierre,
yes, leadership is a unique set of skills just like managing. A good supervisor has both sets of skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In my opinion great managers have great qualities. Leardership is one of them. Coaching to encourage growth falls under that as much as motivating and creating a positive working atmosphere. Managing has more an evaluating and controling role on the performance and expectations of a business or employee.
Managing and coaching are two critical areas in becoming a succesful supervisor/manager. Just like an onion there are many levels of both managing and coaching. As a Chef Instructor at a culinary arts college I manage a kitchen/classroom to make sure production is done in a timely manner. I coach my students to aquire the knowlege and skill set to accomplish our daily goal in production. With that said I have students that range in age from 18 years old to 70 years young! Learning how to communicate with all age groups is key. Now let's through in the 62 different cultures that I have had in my classroom/kitchen. I would not change it for the world. Well maybe the world ;o)
Beverly ,
I agree regarding the need for coaching in private. I would also add that coaching is a great skill to use when helping employees with their development for advancement. They may be a star performer & I can still help coach them to further success.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Managing an employee is done each and every day one is at the workplace and while each employee may require a different style of management, most leaders are managing many people at the same time. Management styles may be unique, but after many decades of being a leader, I am sure that my management style is for the most part, uniform and consistent. When I am coaching an employee, I am working with that person usually to deal with an issue that requires a change in either performance, attitude, or any other issue that may be causing the employee difficulty or a problem with their department. A manager/leader is addressing the group and coaching is done in private. The other time coaching would be utilized is when a new employee is being oriented. This coaching provides a good opportunity to work with an employee who requires training in coaching skills as they would "shadow" you and learn the way you coach. I feel that privacy is imperative when you are coaching an employee who is experiencing difficulty.
Stephanie,
yes, managing is much more of a day to day & I also encourage folks to set up regular coaching sessions with employees.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Coaching an employee is done on an as-needed basis. Managing an employee is an on-going process.
Don,
this is a great synopsis of the roles of coaching & managing.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Although coaching seems to be 'directing', it appears that is much more about observing, offering suggestions/pathways, and supporting. Managing tends to be more directive and in many cases a manager must make directive decisions within a stated period of time. Coaching, then, allows a manager to observe and contemplate an issue an employee may have, communicate to the employee getting agreement so the employee understands and agrees with the issue and is willing to embark upon a plan of action, and then set about constructive a plan on helping the employee achieve better results.
Isabel,
I completely agree with you & acknowledge that there are times when we need to be managing & other times when we need to be coaching.
Dr. Ryan Meers
To me, managing is geared towards the policy of the institution and adhering that the job description is being met.
Coaching is more about increasing the employee's self esteem so that they can reach their own objectives. It's more of a personally empowering relationship that ultimately helps with the professional relationship and performance within the organization.
Eldis,
this is a great distinguishing between the two.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Coaching depends upon the situation, the desired outcome and the level of experience in these capabilities. Managers more so provide supervision and mentoring to their employees.
It is important to understand the difference between managing and coaching. Managing employees implies a more directive approach to leadership. Individuals who are managed need specific instructions on how to do their jobs. the manager not only gives employes these instructions, they also provide the consequences if the job is not done. Coaching is a more positive look at leadership. As a coach, an individual takes ownership in the success of their employees. Coaches provide critical feedback thet help employees evaluate their performance. They help employees accomplish their goals by motivatiing them and providing them with the support they need to be successful.
Kimberly,
great summarization of both sides of leading an employee.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Coaching is referring to being supportive of an employee. What can we do help this employee become better? It must be mutually agreed upon by both parties. Managing an employee is referring to the actual management role. Where it is important to ensure the employee is completing tasks as assigned. Managing may not always be mutually agreed upon.
Eric,
this is a great summary of the two.
Dr. Ryan Meers
