Five Step Approach to a Coaching Session

There are many skills that impact becoming an exceptional supervisor, however, none of them could compare to developing effective coaching skills.

Coaching is a powerful approach to developing employees. Coaching focuses on improving job skills and knowledge and confirming the results meet expectations. Supervisors and managers need to routinely coach – at least monthly. Coach employees on new techniques to make their job performance improve or when regulations change, for instance. Coaching encourages employees to evaluate their performance, reinforces satisfactory performance, and can be an outstanding tool for improving productivity and behavior. Because coaching focuses on communication and ensuring ongoing feedback, employees generally value the approach.

Differences in employees, tasks, and circumstances make every coaching discussion you have unique. Some discussions will be long and complex; others, short, covering a single topic. However, every coaching discussion should follow an approach that ensures that the practical need to understand and accomplish the goal of the meeting is met.

Whatever types of coaching interactions you have, you can put this 5 step approach to work for you.

 

1. Launch

The launch sets the stage for the discussion and provides focus. It is the time to cover the discussion’s purpose and why it is important to everyone involved and to the task at hand.

• State the purpose and importance of the discussion.
• Review or create an agenda.
• Find out if the employee has topics to add to the agenda.

 

2. Explore

This is the fact-finding step.

• Review background information.
• Raise issues and concerns.
• Don’t jump to conclusions.

 

3. Develop

Explore appropriate topics by asking questions and sharing ideas to help the employee determine the best way to goal achievement.

• Develop and explore alternative solutions or actions.
• Ask questions.
• Challenge assumptions.

4. Agree

Before closing the discussion, it is important to check for agreement.

• Agree on solutions.
• Summarize – this is the job of the employee to confirm understanding and clarify who has agreed to do what by when.
• Provide encouragement, but make sure the other person remains responsible for taking action.

5. Conclude

• Make sure all follow-up dates (for taking action, reviewing progress, continuing the coaching discussions, etc.) have been set.
• Document the summary, any agreements and all follow-up actions.
• Express confidence regarding the employee taking the action agreed upon.

Put this 5 step approach to work for you as you elevate your effectiveness in coaching others. You will be glad you did!

Still learning,

Honey