Coaching Fundamentals

Lesson 1: The role of a manager-coach

Old Mindset

When they say “everyone has potential,” they don’t really mean everyone—do they? Just look at my most difficult employee over there.

New Mindset

Yes, coaching is needed especially for your ‘most difficult’ employee. Underperforming staff are wasted resources, and it’s your job as a manager to maximize potential. Ask that employee what he’d like to improve and help him make a plan. Find out whether he has untapped skills or talents. It may be that coaching him will help him figure out whether he’d be happier in a different role. Which brings us to our next point…