The 8 key skills for effective coaching
The power of coaching has been recognized in many areas for many years. Astute managers and leaders are beginning to view coaching skills as a vital addition to their personal effectiveness toolbox. So what are the key skills managers need to develop?
1. Listen
When we were growing up we received formal education on reading and writing, but not on how to listen. However, when it comes to business, listening is probably one of the most important skills to have.
If as a manager you take on the role of a coach, you must learn to listen with real focus, suspending all your judgments and opinions. She must also listen not only to words, but also to non-verbal cues, such as body language.
2. Questioning
Most of us can ask questions. When you train, you need to use powerful questions. These are questions that:
o Are short, usually 7 words or less
o Are open instead of closed
o Deepen the learning of the person being trained
o Move the person toward a goal
Examples include:
or what do you want?
What is important?
or What is the first step?
3. Constructively challenging
Constructively challenging is about not holding back but at the same time not destroying the relationship. Many people associate coaching with helping, which it clearly is. At the same time, if training never rocks the boat, it becomes just another nice chat. Playing out contradictions is a great way to challenge constructively. For example:
“I heard you want to get your MBA, but at the same time you seem to resist spending time on homework”
4. Keep account
Accountability is one of the most powerful aspects of coaching. It has been suggested that people have a 95% chance of achieving a goal when they have responsibility. When someone commits to do something and knows they will be held accountable, then they go ahead.
How effective are you at holding people accountable as a manager?
5. See different perspectives
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like you’re stuck in a corner with nowhere to go? If so, chances are you’re stuck on one perspective. When coaching, you need to be able to help your client explore different perspectives, so that they can choose the ones that are most powerful.
6. Encourage and support
Encouragement and support when training can be the difference between someone moving on or giving up. Acknowledging another person is an incredibly powerful way to keep them motivated.
7. Trust and use your intuition
We all have a hunch about something from time to time. Most likely, you have probably started to analyze it and make it logical or not. When training, your intuition is a powerful tool. Throw it away if it can be of benefit. The worst that can happen is that it is out of place.
8. Keep the focus on your customer
When you are in the coaching role, your focus should be 100% on your client and their agenda. What this means is putting all your attention on the client and keeping their agenda out of the way.
These 8 key skills can not only help you when you train, but also make you a better manager or leader. Take time to assess where his strengths lie and where he needs to develop.