Coaching 1-2-3

One of the biggest buzzwords in business now is "coaching" - but what does it really mean?. What springs to mind is the athletic coach, who provides the technical skills to help the athlete reach their potential. On the other hand, we think of the mentor, whose invisible hand and perspective helps guide the "mentee" to greater success. While both of these models are useful - and necessary, good career coaching does one additional thing: it helps clarify goals, and the path to achieve them.

There is no murky magic to being a coach - in fact, you can easily do it with a co-worker, your manager, or your staff. The next time they ask for your guidance, instead of telling them "the answer", ask them three basic questions:

1) What do you want to do more of, or do less of? (or what is your next goal?)

2) What is preventing you from doing so?

3) What can you do during the next week to overcome this challenge?

After they answer, only then does your feedback add true value. You are able to amplify their direction with your experience and perspective.

This week's action item: While you can't predict when someone will ask you for help, there's no reason why you can't use this same formula for yourself. What do you want to do more of or less of? What is preventing you from doing so? And what can you do this week to overcome this challenge?

Make It Happen Tipsheet
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Copyright © 2006 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.

Publication Date: August 22, 2006