This article was originally published on COACHA E-Newsletter on November 11, 2019.
Managing with coaching skills is becoming more recognized as the effective and efficient method of delivering results. A study by the American Management Association indicates that 52% of organizations report having a coaching program in place and, of those that do not, 37% are planning to implement one.
When managers are trained in coaching skills, studies show they can have a positive impact on performance and employee engagement.
The biggest difference between managing and coaching is the process. Traditional management techniques involve directing employees, finishing uncompleted or unsatisfactory work, motivating staff (trying), and conducting annual performance reviews. Coaching follows a slightly different path. Instead of giving the answers or taking over the job, managers ask questions that help guide others to learn. They help employees become self-motivated and offer feedback on a daily or weekly basis.
The dialogue about whether managers are leaders or managers (or both) is being overtaken by this new concept of manager-coach, someone who is adopting a coaching approach to being a manager. Managers who use a coaching approach are more likely to embrace ideas similar to the following:
As well as using recognized coaching techniques in their work with team members, the manager-coaches will:
Above all, the manager as coach will see their role as serving the people that they work with, and will develop skills in encouraging and supporting others.
A good coach needs to spend time becoming more aware of the way they interact with other people. Tools such as 360-degree feedback, personality profiling and team role profiling can be helpful in gaining a better awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses. Also, the practice of developing empathy helps us become more open in our communications and more aware of the needs of people.
Here are some tips to help you move from managing to coaching:
ABOUT THE AUTHORMerci MIGLINO Merci is an ICF Master Certified Coach who has been coaching and training coaches for 20 years. Her experience and natural emotional intelligence support executives in enhancing and sustaining leadership skills that drive results. |
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