There are many techniques leaders need to deploy for effectiveness in coaching their teams. In this and upcoming posts, we’ll explore three of the most powerful skills: listening, asking coaching questions, and encouraging. In addition to the benefits these tools bring to coaching, they also promote collaboration and communication in other environments.
Although there are many skills which integrate with the tools, these three form the foundation to truly productive coaching. Let’s take listening as an example. It is not only what someone says with words, it is also the intent of their message, the signals communicated though body language and the actual story behind what we hear.
The second technique for coaching is questioning. This type of query is purposely open ended and occurs without suggesting or inferring a possible solution. This opens the door for the team member to look at an issue with a fresh viewpoint and identify options for moving forward in new ways.
Finally, there is encouraging. By reinforcing what went well, the team member’s strengths, and the creativity of new ideas offered, the coaching leader provides the confidence to act more quickly, take risks and assume responsibility for implementing their own solutions.
As leaders, many of us feel we’re already using these tools. In coaching; however, the way these techniques are used is different and directly impacts the outcome. A question to ask ourselves, “Are we applying them most effectively in coaching our team?”
Similar to any new skill, one can excel in the use of the three tools only through repeated and regular practice and, in this case, to become a leader who coaches.
In the next post, we’ll explore listening in more depth as one of the fundamental coaching techniques.
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