Are You Coaching or Telling?

Many leaders think they are successful at coaching, but in reality lots of them are simply telling their employees what to do. Writing in The Harvard Business Review leadership researchers and consultants Julia and Trenton Milner point out that actual coaching unlocks an individual’s potential. Recently the authors undertook a study that showed how rare master coaching really is.  But the good news, they say, is that most mangers can learn to be good coaches in a relatively short period of time.

When first asked to coach, most managers tend to give advice or offer a solution. But this is actually more micromanaging than coaching. Happily, they become better coaches quickly by employing these skills:

• Listening
• Asking Questions
• Giving Feedback
• Clarifying Goals
• Showing Empathy
• Identifying Strengths
• Providing Structure
• Facilitating Coach-driven Solutions

In the ongoing study, the skills managers struggled with the most were identifying strengths as well as letting coaches arrive at their own solutions. Clearly, Coach Training must address these skills by changing mindsets and offering a safe space in which to practice and discuss personal challenges.

What do you find is your biggest personal challenge when it comes to coaching? To join the conversation, click on "comments" above.
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