“It’s quicker and easier if I just do that task myself.” Ever said those words?

 

It may be so, but is that really your role as a people manager? 

 

Maybe some staff in your company are frustrated by the millennial generation of workers who they perceive as being entitled, disloyal and non-conformist, if an article in Forbes is anything to go by.

 

I know the millennials work force is garnering attention in the workplace but the one thing I am always compelled to ask is what companies are doing to coach Generation Y, which whether you like it or not, is set to make up 75% of the workforce in the next decade.  

 

Bottom line, by sharing your expertise and coaching others, you will free up time and develop and motivate your employees. Invest time to save time.

 

Good coaching is based on helping people to find themselves – it doesn’t rely on a one-way flow of information.

 

With this in mind, here are 5 top tips for effective coaching:-

 

 

Effective coaching requires focus and attention, so always choose an appropriate time and place.

Aim to find somewhere hat’s conducive to coaching, away from distractions and interruptions.

 

 

Start by identifying the goals. It’s important to clarify what you and the learner expect to get out of the coaching.

 

What’s in it for them? What’s in it for you?

 

Ask them about what they need. Ask about how they see themselves developing and if there are any areas where coaching may help. Define the goals in terms of what the learner will be able to do.

 

 

If you’re coaching someone to complete a specific task, always show them how to do it first – so they can see what good looks like (the performance standard).

 

Go through it together and then let them try to do it on their own whilst you observe.

Don’t just throw them in at the deep end without any preparation. You can destroy their confidence by going too fast or by expecting too much from them.

 

 

Treat them as equals. There is an advantage to admitting that you have made mistakes in the past. This will show that you have learnt things that you’ve got wrong before and will encourage them to do the same.

 

The person who never makes a mistake, never made anything!

 

 

Use praise and constructive criticism.

 

Praise is a dish that’s best served hot, so do it immediately, don’t save it for later!

 

Good praise is specific – focus on what was particularly good. What are they getting right?

Always be constructive is they make a mistake. Encourage them to discover for themselves what they got wrong and why.

 

Want to read the rest of the Top Tips for effective coaching? 

 

Visit the new Creativedge free mobile App providing immediate, expert management and personal development tips and advice on a range of other management and training issues:-

 

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