Coaching Skills

Introduction

The question for leaders in organizations today is how do we go about unleashing motivation, facilitating idea creation, promoting information flow and go beyond being Number One? How do we distance ourselves from our competitors? We cannot relax and take our success for granted. Our competitors are fierce and anxious to take back market share, produce the next blockbuster product, or invent some new technology to better serve customers.

One of our greatest competitive advantages is our people and culture. If we can continue to teach, inspire, and select the best, we can continue to be a premier organization in the world. We will continue to be first in bringing value added and quality enhancing products to people around the world. We will also continue to be the employer of choice. In order to achieve this goal, managers can subscribe to many leadership theories and concepts. Some of these theories provide only a general awareness of successful leadership techniques. Some are too complex and academic to be useful in the real world. Today's manager needs tools that are specific, detailed, and practical that will enable managers to:

  • help team members achieve their highest potential

  • motivate team members to contribute their best effort

  • maintain core values and standards of conduct

  • manage performance and results

  • promote innovation and help others think "outside the box"

  • create a culture of continuous improvement

  • build productive and valued relationships with customers

  • tap into each employee's reservoir of experience, talent, and creativity

  • achieve maximum teamwork, inclusion, and communication across functions

    Leaders today want practical and uncomplicated solutions that they can apply immediately. The Coaching program was designed by Dr. Steven J. Stowell and his team at the Center For Management and Organization Effectiveness (CMOE) for this purpose. Research over the past two decades revealed a lack of effective coaching skills by many leaders. As a result of field research and hands on interaction with 325 organizations in 13 different countries, Dr. Stowell has defined a set of coaching skills used by effective leaders. This road map is not a checklist or a "quick fix." Although the steps are easy to learn, effective coaching skills are only developed when managers decide to apply them and tackle the real issues that drive business forward.

    A Road Map

    Coaching Skills training provides leaders with powerful, proven, and practical skills that help you define direction, shows you the sharp turns mileposts in a coaching discussion. But just like driving, the weather and road conditions change each time you set out on a coaching journey. Good judgment, common sense, along with an understanding of the person is needed to be successful. This will allow managers to gain maximum effectiveness from each interaction.

    What is Coaching?

    Coaching is a skill that leaders practice as they manage performance, mentor, problem solve, teach, and guide others. Coaching requires:

  • effective two-way communication and dialogue

  • observation of performance, followed by constructive feedback

  • an investment in helping others succeed

  • a focus on performance and achieving results

  • courage to address difficult issues, and engage others in growth opportunities

  • time to help people improve as jobs, technology, and markets change

    Coaching is a process, not an event. It is the ongoing and consistent way in which we present ourselves, and through which we build and maintain relationships with others. Coaching is not a top-down weapon you use on a subordinate. Coaching is a partnership designed to tap into the knowledge, information, synergy, and talents people bring to the problem solving process.

    Coaching Behaviors

    A good coach:

    • promotes open and constructive discussion

    • is comfortable with differences

    • uses authority and power sparingly

    • is not demeaning or disrespectful of others

    • creates a safe environment for interaction, disclosure, and information flow

    • shares views, facts, and information in a non-threatening manner

    • is open to new ideas, and to the possibility that he/she has an incomplete understanding of the situation

    • focuses on learning and change

    • strengthens and empowers others

    • maintains high expectations and performance standards

    • unleashes motivation and creativity

    Conclusion

    Coaching skills are not "found," they are actively "developed" by people who want to lead and be an influence in their organization. Coaching takes some time (but not a lot of time). Time is an important ingredient and you will need discipline to manage all the priorities and business demands leaders face today. Extra time isn't going to come looking for you. You have to think of coaching is an investment.

    Coaching also takes energy. You will need to pick your battles and decide what is important and what isn't. Your coaching effort is an asset that must be deployed wisely.

    Coaching takes courage. There is always a risk that someone could feel hurt or take offense when you put the microscope on some element of his or her performance. Don't take reactions personally. You should be more concerned if people don't react, if they seem indifferent. If you inadvertently touch a nerve, or if people are extremely sensitive, you will need to draw on your support account.

    Finally, be patient and persistent. Change frequently happens slowly for people. If you encounter someone who wants to make a quantum leap, it's a real bonus. Enjoy it, but remember that the real work of a leader is helping those who don't immediately recognize the need or opportunity to improve. Keep in mind that when you coach you won't be receiving accolades and embraced as a hero. Most people need time to process and grasp the magnitude of what you are conveying to them.

    Learning to be a good coach is a life long journey. The learning you are about to engage in represents a solid step along that journey. Enjoy the trip, participate and ask questions in the workshop, trust yourself in the practice sessions, and learn from your colleagues.

    To learn more about CMOE's Coaching Skills model please contact a Regional Manager at (801)569-3444 and discover what 100,000 managers have learned around the world.

    In The News:


    Google News
    Updated : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:51:06 GMT

    McCain campaign's tone likened to George Wallace's - Newsday


    Malaysia Star
    McCain campaign's tone likened to George Wallace's
    Newsday - 2 hours ago
    WASHINGTON - Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere segregationist Gov.
    McCain in 'hatred' war of words BBC News
    Obama thanks, jabs at McCain Chicago Tribune
    New York Times - Los Angeles Times - Reuters - AFP
    all 404 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:27:11 GMT

    American space tourist blasts off in Soyuz rocket - The Associated Press


    Washington Post
    American space tourist blasts off in Soyuz rocket
    The Associated Press - 39 minutes ago
    BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (AP) - A Soyuz spacecraft with two Americans and a Russian on board lifted off from Kazakhstan on Sunday for the international space station.
    Space Toilet Fixed – For Now eFluxMedia
    Russia launches spacecraft with sixth space tourist China Daily
    KGAN - MarketWatch - Spaceflight Now - USA Today
    all 615 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:11:37 GMT

    Theatrical Review of Body of Lies - DVDTOWN.com

    Theatrical Review of Body of Lies
    DVDTOWN.com - 11 hours ago
    By Jason P. Vargo "Body of Lies" is a certain type of movie designed for a certain type of moviegoer. I think the tagline describes the movie perfectly, actually.
    Will 'Chihuahua' take a bite out of 'Body of Lies'? Los Angeles Times
    Body of Lies Entertainment Weekly
    E! Online - San Francisco Chronicle - Reuters - Washington Post
    all 1,041 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:19:39 GMT

    ARM Holders Would Do Well to Shop Around Now - Washington Post


    Sify
    ARM Holders Would Do Well to Shop Around Now
    Washington Post - 4 hours ago
    By Nancy Trejos The global financial crisis has affected virtually every aspect of personal finance, from mortgages to student loans to credit cards to retirement savings.
    Finance giants reportedly ordered to buy $40 bln of mortgage bonds ... MarketWatch
    Fannie, Freddie to Buy $40 Billion a Month of Troubled Assets Bloomberg
    The Miami Herald - Orlando Sentinel - Sunday Paper - San Jose Mercury News
    all 227 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:07:17 GMT

    Many homers, and pitches, in Game 2 - MLB.com


    Los Angeles Times
    Many homers, and pitches, in Game 2
    MLB.com - 2 hours ago
    By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com ST. PETERSBURG -- Five hours and 27 minutes elapsed during Saturday's American League Championship Series Game 2, bookending the moments when Scott Kazmir threw the game's first pitch over home plate and BJ Upton popped its ...
    Up, up, and away Boston Globe
    Mike Timlin shoulders blame Boston Herald
    Los Angeles Times - Washington Times - Tampa Tribune - ESPN
    all 495 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:22:57 GMT

    Van driver's work in Mass. aided Nobel winners - Boston Globe


    Boston Globe
    Van driver's work in Mass. aided Nobel winners
    Boston Globe - 7 hours ago
    HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—When two American scientists won a Nobel Prize this week in chemistry, the driver of a car dealership's courtesy van had reason to take special interest.
    Video: Nobel Chemistry Prize Goes for Jellyfish Protein AssociatedPress
    The Daily Yomiuri - The Associated Press - Ars Technica - New York Times
    all 1,253 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:14:18 GMT

    Japan says will tap FX reserve if IMF steps up bailout - Reuters


    Voice of America
    Japan says will tap FX reserve if IMF steps up bailout
    Reuters - 6 hours ago
    WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Japan said on Saturday it is ready to offer a part of its $1 trillion foreign reserves to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if the multi-national lender is to support countries facing economic crisis.
    Video: IMF: Timing right for G7 ReutersVideo
    IMF Calls for Aggressive Response to Crisis New York Times
    Bloomberg - MarketWatch - Financial Times - Voice of America
    all 2,310 news articles

    Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 05:32:02 GMT

    RSS Software
    Increase Online Traffic


  • PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

    Adsense websites

    Curse of Competence: How Being Good gets in the way of Becoming Great

    Just before the storms hit last winter, my father-in-law and... Read More

    Essence of Awakeness

    Be conscious, aware, and alert. Pay attention. Remember when you... Read More

    How to Make $100,000 Dollars as a Personal Trainer ? Part B for Business!

    My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years... Read More

    Viewpoints - Communication Destruction Or....

    Viewpoints! Everyone has them and they are personal. However, when... Read More

    What The Buddha Says About Coaches

    There is a Buddhist saying that goes like this: "If... Read More

    Are You Worth Investing In?

    Do you realise that if you're green you're growing and... Read More

    How to Save Yourself from Negative Influences

    Watching the news can be hazardous to your health.It's a... Read More

    Attitude is Contagious - Would Anybody Want Yours?

    Are you using the Life Potential you have been given?... Read More

    Its Story Time! - Find the Power Within, or The Truth About Dogs

    I heard a story recently, and wanted to share it... Read More

    Do You Need a Performance Coach?

    In today's fast paced world, we are often confronted with... Read More

    Using Audio Programs to Increase Your Knowledge and Productivity

    If you do any significant amount of driving, a simple... Read More

    Make Your Life Easier?

    'Have you read the Art of War?' someone asked me... Read More

    The Story ?From the Chicken Coop??

    Many years ago my grandfather, had a small farm and... Read More

    Leadership Coaching at Gettysburg

    The battle at Gettysburg is one of the most notable... Read More

    Feeling Self-Conscious? 6 Tips to Turn it Around Fast!

    When you feel self-conscious it means you are putting too... Read More

    A Visualization Exercise on Managing Expectations for Adults with ADD

    As adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), we often find... Read More

    W Edwards Deming

    Immediately post second world war W Edwards Deming went to... Read More

    Life Coach, Counsellor, or Therapist; - How do I choose?

    Life coaching has become fashionable in recent years and there... Read More

    A Christmas Wish

    My sister is a woman now beginning her thirties. She... Read More

    Business Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

    "There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in... Read More

    God, Grant Me Patience.....And, I Want It Now!!

    Are you facing a difficult time in your life? Do... Read More

    The Art of Change

    We don't change. I imagine such a statement could find... Read More

    How To Overcome Stuck States In Personal Growth

    Although many of us use self-help tools like affirmations, visualizations,... Read More

    Burn-Out ...Whats Next?

    If you feel the heat of burn-out, it is possible... Read More

    The Great Marketing Reframe

    From grimaces to stomach knots, talking about marketing seems to... Read More