Coaching in the workplace is a creative, action-oriented, and performance-driven process that helps employees maximize their potential. It is distinct from mentoring, consulting, and managing, and requires careful consideration before implementation. As hockey coach Ric Charlesworth said: “The interesting thing about training is that you have to annoy those who are comfortable and console those who have problems.”When meeting with employees as coaches, leaders should be careful to train and not to manage. It is essential to take your time and practice patience when you train, as change does not happen overnight.
The final costs of not training leaders can be immense, as they can become unconfident and unwilling to train people on a regular basis. This can lead to employees not meeting expectations or growing in a way that supports the organization's strategy. The main objective of workplace coaching is to promote two-way communication between an employee and their coach in order to identify areas for improvement, reinforce strengths, and further develop their performance. Good coaches know that this requires active listening skills at all times. In conclusion, workplace coaching is an effective tool for helping employees reach their full potential. It is important to remember that it is distinct from mentoring, consulting, and managing, and requires patience and active listening skills from the coach.
When done correctly, it can help employees reach their goals and support the organization's strategy.
