Coaching, Not Telling

Anytime Coaching is not the same as telling people what to do. Certainly, part of a manager’s job is to explain to an employee what the job entails and how the job is connected to the organization’s overall purpose. This “telling” is indeed part of what managers must do to establish performance standards and delegate work in support of larger goals. For many managers, it is all too tempting (and seemingly expedient) to continue the “telling” whenever a question or problem arises. Certainly, there are times—especially in emergencies and under tight deadlines—when a leader-driven solution might be the best alternative.

One of the challenges for managers developing Anytime Coaching skills is learning when “telling” is the best course and when coaching will prompt better—and more sustainable—performance.