So true. Also it may be that we need to open our minds to a different way of doing something!
Ryan
I find sometimes when we feel someone needs coaching, it might just be we are not understanding what that person is triing to accomplish. Discus the objective and listen to their aproach to a solution. Many times they have a good idea, only a little tweaking may be neccesary to arrive at the goal desired
Marvin
Often this is the way to develop a foundation for the long term discussion.
I find that through the daily routine just telling someone they did a good job or stopping to maybe show them a better way to do something( in a very friendly manner ) tends to build their confidence. Through this manner it seems as though they improve greatly.
Absolutely! This is definitely not a 1 size fits all affair. There are methods that are proven to work, but the messaging must be different.
Ryan
Jennifer,
You are right that our motives will always be called into question by someone, especially when they don't appreciate what we are saying or doing. The key is to be authentic & sincere & although they may doubt this, most will see that you are & you will be at peace with yourself.
Ryan
This is an interesting concept and question. I think I can struggle at being both at times.
I try to coach and suport my staff and have had the need to also switch into the manager role. Both require being a leader and role model. What is interesting is that recently I had someone that I supervise feel as though my honest and thoughtful approach (politically correct approach in her descripton) feel as though in those roles my communication was really a cover for what I was really trying to say and express, and that they she sees right through it. She felt like it was not sincere because I was not aggressive and direct enough.
It is often hard to be all things to all people especially for those who do not want to hear anything constructive/negative at all. I have also found that the level of educaiotn that people have earned can be a barrier to being open to be coached or managed. I need to and will keep working on this coach/manager role.
When we find the team out of alignment we as the coach must step back and evaluate. Often times what works with one team may require a little different approach for the next.
George,
I agree with you that by & large coaching is done on an individual basis. Managing is definitely a function that looks at the whole & also can be done with individuals.
Ryan
I believe that coaching is a 1:1 process, where managing is an entire team process. In other words, coaching is dealing with the individual, where managing is more geared towards dealing with the whole group, or team. Coaching is used to help develop talent, motivate individuals, and help the individual reach their highest potential. This, in most cases, needs to be done in a private setting. Managing is used to take an entire project, team, or product from beginning to end. This, in most cases is done on a group, rather than an individual basis.
Bruce,
Great comments. I think you make a great point here, especially in regard to managing really being more for the organization. Obviously this is important to do & does help everyone's job run more smoothly, but coaching really is the leadership act of supervision.
Ryan
When you coach, you are acting as a mentor. When you are managing you are keeping day to day operations in check. Coaching is for the employees, managing is for the organization.
Great distinction & I agree that in the ideal situation a manager is also a good coach/leader.
Ryan
I do believe it is because it is easier in the short term. I also believe it's because often leaders are promoted because they are highly skilled individual contributors & it is satisfying to "solve" problems for others.
Ryan
Well said; if this is the right path why do many choose to go the route of telling not asking? is it simply because it is the "easier in the short term"????......becasue it is not for the long term ROI.
A coach guides the employee, providing support along the way. Modeling and mentoring are critical components of a coach.
A manager holds a supervisory position and is responsible for the effective completion of his cohorts required tasks.
In an ideal scenario, a manager also strives to be a good coach.
Love the summation, April!
Lisa,
Tell me more about this idea. I'm curious what you mean by if neither takes advantage of their roles.
Ryan
A manager can be a mentor if neither party takes advantage of their roles.
Managing means to direct. Coaching is to support and mentor.
