The Elements of a Good Coaching Session |
To conduct a good coaching session, you need to (1) establish a purpose, (2) establish ground rules, (3) keep focused, (4) avoid monologues, (5) speak clearly and simply, and (6) stay open to new ideas. Let's look more closely at each of these six elements of a good coaching session.
Establish Ground Rules
Keep Focused You'll want to keep focused on the reason for the employee's visit, of course. But there's more involved in keeping focused during the meeting. Here are a few guidelines: • Avoid making "noise"—anything that distracts from the atmosphere. As the old song goes, "Every little movement has a meaning all its own." Whatever you do should contribute to the discussion and support your connection with the employee. • Don't look at your computer. Mot even once. Turn off the monitor. That will get rid of the temptation to look—and it conveys a clear message to the employee. Don't touch your papers. Again, if you might be tempted, set all papers aside on your desk as soon as you welcome your visitor. One small action can reduce the temptation and show respect and interest. • Don't fiddle. Be aware of any nervous habits you might have and try to fight them. • Don't answer the telephone. With secretaries, answering machines, and voicemail, the only reason to answer that call is curiosity—which suggests that an unknown caller is more important than a known employee. Always focus on our visitor.
Don't Give a Lecture; Have a Conversation
Speak Clearly • Use the simplest, most common terms. Reject terms like "nonfunctional superannuated language equivalents. • Stow the jargon. "Suicide squeeze" doesn't mean anything to someone who isn't a baseball fan. • Be specific. Which sentence communicates more effectively, "I'm concerned because you've come to work late several times recently" or "Your on-site punctuality modality leaves something to be desired"? Use the known to explain the unknown. You don't have to be an English major to use metaphor and simile effectively. When you're speaking about something new and/or complex, compare it to something that's familiar to the employee
Stay Open to New Ideas
Source of Reference: You can download excellent powerpoint slides on HR Management and Human Capital Strategy HERE.
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