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Make the change from manager to coach

Jun 05 2005  • 
Struggling with how to transform yourself from a command-and-control supervisor into a coach? Here are four ah-ha moments I've experienced in coaching:

Let yourself be coached by the people you are coaching. It's incredibly valuable to have junior-level people coach senior-level people occasionally. Ask their opinion. Ask them to edit something you've written. And take their advice. That sets up the spirit of coaching as asking for and getting advice — outside the world of seniority and titles.

Realize that they may not take your advice. This is one of the biggest differences between a manager giving orders and a coach giving advice. It's aggravating when they don't take your advice. But sometimes it works out better their way. Sometimes it's a disaster, but there is no need to say, "I told you so." They know...and they'll probably value your advice even more in the future.

Coaching allows others to grow ... and you, too. The idea is to let people be accountable for their own successes and failures. They'll grow faster and they will see the value in seeking advice from a coach.

Set an example. If you want your team members to work hard, be proactive and try creative approaches, then you need to model the behavior you wish to see. It's time to end the stereotype that management doesn't work hard, but just barks orders. Let your team members see you hustle, see you creatively solve problems and interact with others.
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