Why Coaching Works – A Great Tool for Managers

Zoe Whitby - coaching in action

 

I first came across coaching about 10 years ago as part of management training and was immediately struck by the power of asking questions. Like many managers I’d believed it was my mission to solve other people’s problems for them – so when they came to me for advice, I gave it freely.

 

 

What I hadn’t appreciated then is that:

  • The person does not learn for themselves and may become reliant on you to solve more issues
  • Instead of managing you become increasingly drawn in to day-to-day decision making
  • You may not have the best solution!

A coaching approach involves asking open questions to help the individual to explore a situation for themselves. By expanding and challenging their thinking, they can get new perspective and ‘stuck’ often becomes ‘unstuck’.

Part of the magic comes from the act of thinking out loud; part comes from the non-judgemental yet challenging questions the person coaching can ask. The intention is to get the person to dig deep and draw on their own ideas and to develop their confidence in finding answers.

Coaching Models

There are various coaching models which provide a framework for questions. The GROW model is credited to John Whitmore who was a founder member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and died recently in May 2017.

G stands for Goal – What is the outcome you want? What’s the ideal? How will you know when you get there?

R is for Reality – Where are you now? What have you done? What’s gone well? What barriers have you encountered?

O explores the options. What could you do? Get creative – what else could you do? What are the pros and cons of the options?

W is the What – the actions. What are you going to do? When? When specifically? What might stop you?

With these basic prompts you can even coach yourself through a situation.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs

With clients, I particularly like listening for and challenging and exploring limiting beliefs:

I can’t do it…Do you want to do it?

I’ll try…What do you mean by ‘try’?

Things will never change…What never? What would have to happen for things to change?

I don’t have the time…How important is this?

Learning to use the coaching technique is a great management tool. I’ve recently come across a great book by Michael Bungay-Stanier (of Do More Great Work fame) The Coaching Habit – he takes you through his 7 essential questions in a very practical way.

If you’ve never experienced being coached you may be missing out on the benefits of overcoming your own barriers to achieving more in work or life. Contact me if you want to:

  • Get more focus on what’s important
  • Address negative self talk and self-imposed barriers
  • Develop your confidence for certain situations
  • Understand more about how people tick and how to vary your style for better results
  • Explore challenging situations or big goals to get a step by step action plan

Get in touch to find out more about coaching  

If you’re interested in developing your self awareness, communication or management skills, confidence, time management or just getting focus on your goals, do get in touch to discuss. I believe everyone has the potential to improve their performance, motivation and happiness – coaching works because you become accountable to an external person who is a source of encouragement and support – as well as challenging your barriers.

Email Zoë Whitby: zoe@zwcoaching.co.uk

Call on: 07919 201128

Like my Facebook page for regular shares of interesting articles and videos click here

Subscribe to my monthly emailer on ‘Effectiveness at Work’   click here