THE PRACTICAL COACH 2

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of coaching in the workplace, identifying key moments when a coach's guidance is crucial: recognizing good work, addressing poor performance, and correcting personal habits. It outlines effective coaching strategies, such as timely recognition, private correction, and engaging employees with questions. The script also introduces the 'two-minute challenge,' a five-step method to address recurring issues, helping employees find solutions. By providing practical advice, maintaining a positive approach, and staying on track, coaches can foster better performance and stronger relationships with their team members.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coaching is about helping individuals recognize their potential and improve their performance.
• 🎯 There are three critical times when coaching is most impactful: when someone does good work, when they do poor work, and when they're on a dead-end road.
• 👍 Recognizing and reinforcing good work leads to repeated good performance. When you see good work, say it.
• 🤫 When addressing poor work, make the feedback private and constructive. It’s important to approach correction in a positive and thoughtful manner.
• ❓ Asking questions is key when coaching—allow employees to reflect on their actions and suggest their own solutions.
• 🙅‍♂️ Defensive sidetracks can derail productive coaching conversations. Stay focused on the issue and avoid being drawn into unrelated topics.
• 🔄 Addressing personal habits, like body odor or punctuality, requires sensitivity. Be gentle but direct when discussing these issues.
• 🕑 The two-minute challenge is a practical method to turn poor performance around: observe, wait for a response, remind of the goal, ask for a solution, and agree together.
• 👂 Listening to employees and letting them come up with their own solutions encourages growth and accountability.
• 👥 Follow-up is essential in coaching. Noticing improvement or lack thereof shows that you care and helps keep employees on track.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of coaching according to the script?

Coaching is a process of letting people know that their performance matters and helping them navigate challenges to improve their performance.

What are the three critical times when a coach should step up?

A coach should step up when they see someone doing good work, when they see someone doing more work, and when they see someone on a dead-end road.

What is the secret to keeping a good worker like Audrey motivated?

The secret is to acknowledge good work as it happens. When you see it, say it, and be specific about what the employee did right.

Why is it important to address poor work privately?

Addressing poor work privately ensures that the employee isn't embarrassed in front of others and allows for a more constructive conversation focused on improvement.

What should a coach do before giving corrective feedback?

The coach should ensure they are in a positive frame of mind, ask themselves if the feedback is for the employee’s success, and avoid being angry or irritated.

How should personal habits that affect work be addressed?

Personal habits should be addressed by preparing the employee for the conversation, being gentle but direct, and focusing on a simple solution to the problem.

What is a common sidetrack when addressing personal issues, and how should a coach handle it?

A common sidetrack is when an employee tries to change the subject or deflect attention. The coach should avoid getting sidetracked and stay focused on the issue at hand.

What is the 'two-minute challenge,' and when is it used?

The 'two-minute challenge' is a technique for addressing repeated poor performance. It involves five steps: stating what you've observed, waiting for a response, reminding the employee of the goal, asking for a specific solution, and agreeing on the solution together.

How should a coach handle a situation where an employee has personal challenges affecting their work?

The coach should be empathetic, acknowledging the employee’s personal challenges, but still emphasize the importance of meeting work expectations and find a solution together.

What is the key message of the script for leaders or coaches?

The key message is that coaching requires consistent feedback, both for good and poor work, and that a coach’s actions have a significant impact on their team’s performance and morale.