Our People Leader Book Club just finished reading The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier. The book focuses on a few simple techniques anyone can use while coaching up, down or across…and even at home!
Bonus points – the content also supports our practice of Situational Leadership. There are very strong connection points to diagnosing development levels and providing the right direction and support to create a culture of self-reliant problem solving.
Everyone shared the ONE BIG THING they took away from the book. Here are a few coaching key points:
- Don’t ask questions that are leading or rhetorical. Instead ask ‘What else?’, ‘What’s on your mind?’, ‘What’s the real challenge here for you?’, ‘What do you want?’. And don’t think about a response while the other person is talking. Talk less and listen actively!
- It’s easy to jump into advice mode. We all want to help! Start with ‘What’s the real challenge here for you?’ to allow for independent problem solving.
- When someone comes to you with a challenge, ask, ‘How can I help?’ instead of inserting yourself into the solution. The answer they provide will help you diagnose their development level. (from Situational Leadership)
- So often we ask multiple questions at once. This does not allow the other person to stop and think – they try to deflect the multitude of questions being directed at them. Ask a question, pause and wait three seconds for a response.
- Coaching should happen informally, every day. Ongoing feedback leads to growth and development!
Check out The Coaching Habit if you want to learn more.
