4 Myths about Coaching You Must Reject
Coaching provides people centered approaches to development and results.
“Coaching is the universal language of change and learning.” Julie Winkle Giulioni
4 myths about coaching:
Myth #1: Coaching isn’t leading
Coaching is a tool and a way of being. Leadership is a way of being.
Coaches focus on people. Asking questions feels awkward at first, but it’s empowering and freeing when mastered.
Tip: Learn to ask forward-facing questions that clarify action. Use “what” or “how” when clarifying action. Use “why” when exploring purpose.
Myth #2: Coaching is slow
In the short-term command and control is fast. Eventually, authoritarian styles stifle initiative, create bottlenecks, add stress, cause adversarial relationships, and demotivate.
Coaching requires up-front investment that produces long-term benefit. Coaching-leaders go slow to go fast.
Tip: Ask yourself, “Is development fast enough to get us where we need to be in a timely manner?” Don’t over-invest in people who don’t fit.
Myth #3: Coaching is soft
Coaching-leaders expect people to own their own development.
Questions that energize:
- What does success look like in terms of behaviors, not simply results?
- What are you great at and how can you do more of that?
- How can you move the ball down the field today? We don’t need a touch-down, just a first down.
- What’s holding you back?
- What are you learning about doing well? About yourself? About team members?
- What’s working?
- What’s not working and what new approaches might you try?
Myth #4: Coaching is easy
The rigors of coaching include:
- Creating space where people take ownership of themselves.
- Resistance from ingrained expectations.
- Developing coaching skills.
- Solving with instead of solving-for.
Coaches trust talent to pull organizations forward.
Not all the time:
Coaching doesn’t work when:
- The house is on fire.
- Talent needs training.
- External factors impede success.
- Employees are know-it-alls.
What suggestions do you have for leaders who aspire to coach their team members?
The four myths are adapted from, “Coaching for Engagement,” by Bob Hancox (My coach).
Still curious:
4 Questions that Guide Your Most Important Conversation
3 Insightful Questions You Can Ask Today