Coaching Employee Performance Effectively!

It’s important to remember that all performance can be coached. We coach when the employee is not meeting the expectations or job standards. We also coach when the employee is doing a stellar job. For the employee who is falling below expectations, getting on-purpose about coaching gives us a clear picture if we’ve done a good job at communicating expectations, defines exactly where the employee is off base, and helps them build a plan to correct. 

For employees with stellar job performance employee, it reassures them that we recognize their contributions. It strengthens their confidence in taking on challenging assignments and it encourages them to explore new ways to enhance their performance.

If you are intent on excelling at coaching, join me for Supervisor Boot Camp and learn how to lead, manage and coach your team!  The supervisor needs coaching! Network and learn solutions, techniques and approaches that empower you to excel in your job as a manager.

Here are two key points that will help you coach your employees effectively:

1.     Communicate Clear Expectations

a.     Put it in writing

b.     Use straightforward language

c.      Be proactive

d.     Show, don’t just tell

e.     Meet with each employee individually to collaborate and discuss expectations

2.      When Performance Issues Surface Look for Obvious Reasons

a.     Review and confirm expectations

b.     Is this a case where your employee has insufficient resources?  If an employee doesn’t have adequate time, budget, or access to required tools/information/material, no amount of coaching can correct the problem.

c.      Does the employee have adequate training for the job?

d.     Does the employee have the capability to do the job?

e.     What is the employee’s level of interest in the job

Still learning,

Honey

www.interaction-training.com

Soliciting Feedback and Taking It Well

It is easy to say you want to know if someone has feedback for you but it may be tough to go ask for it.  Tougher still to hear it.  One of the best relationship enhancers you can put to use is referred to as "The 3-3-3" and here is how it works.  First, you select a handful of candidates to solicit feedback from and ask them independent of one another to take a few days and ponder the following:

• What are three things, from your perspective, that I do that help our working/personal relationship?
• What are three things I do that you don't view as helpful?
• What are three things I don't do that you think if I did them would help our relationship? 

You will meet with your candidates one-on-one for your feedback session.

When you make the request for them to participate in this exercise, ask that they give you examples, as best they can, that illustrate the feedback they will be providing.

Your candidate may think this is a set-up or be terrified to be candid; thinking you might retaliate against them.  If either one of those side effects is a possibility, don't solicit the feedback.  Be very cautious sharing with others that are connected to your candidates any part of the feedback they offered.  Keep it to yourself.  Trust is essential to successful relationships.  If you have more power in the relationship than your candidate they may be more afraid to offer feedback than you are to receive it.

One of my coaching clients said she had the courage to do "The 1-1-1" and I supported her approach!  It's gutsy to solicit feedback.  And,  it is an important skill you will want to develop in order to become reasonably happy and highly successful in relationships.

Let your candidate know that you will follow up with them on a certain date and time that works for both of you and that you would appreciate their candor. Have a start and stop time for your feedback session and refrain from offering them feedback even if they ask for it.  Tell them you would be glad to reciprocate and set a date with them to do that.  This session is simply and completely about the feedback they have for you.

On the appointed day, remind yourself to forgo being defensive and up your game as a listener.    If your candidate gives you feedback - either positive or negative -  that you can't relate to try saying this.  "I must have a blind spot about that, do me a favor and give me a gentle nudge in private the next time you see me do that."   Close the session with a sincere thank you for the feedback.

Look for opportunities to solicit feedback and to be a role model on how to receive it!

Still learning,

Honey

Six Simple Solutions to Saving Time

Where does the time go?  How often do you think that?  If often, read on.  Time is like money if you don't have a plan for it, and, if you don't stay in close touch with where it went, you will run out of it. We all have the same amount of time every day.  How you manage it can make the difference in every aspect of your life from your health to your happiness.  From your work life to the most important relationship you cherish.  From achieving goals to staying stuck for way too long.

1.  Calendar - your calendar tells you where you need to be because you have entered every appointment you have in it with your pencil.  You need a system that houses your calendar.  I use a 7-ring notebook from Franklin-Covey that is in an 8 1/2 x 11 format.  In that notebook is my calendar and sections of other key dividers.  Dividers such as Meeting Notes, Coaching, Projects in Progress, etc.

I use my Outlook calendar to keep up with meetings I have arranged and it reflects appointments or out of office information of others.  But my true one and only calendar is the one in my system.  I check my Outlook calendar against my notebook calendar every day and "sync" them.  At the end of each month, I review my upcoming appointments in Outlook against my notebook calendar.

Your notebook goes where you go.  Never leave your home or office without it.

2.  Daily to-do list - make this life altering list the evening before or the morning of so you can think through what you have to do and what you want to do.   Your to-do list is much like your check register.  The entries are withdrawals of various amounts of time each and every day.  Your list is maintained in your notebook, in your system, so where you are supposed to be and what you need to get done match up. 

3.  Prioritize - now that you have reviewed your calendar and made your to-do list you have to plan the order of things on the list.  To the left of each item on your list mark it an A, B, C, or D.

A = must be done by noon

B = must be done by 6 PM

C = must be done by bedtime   

D = delegate it to someone else

Next, estimate how long the task will take and write the number of minutes to the right of the task.  Now you are building a picture of what and when.  

4.  Stay in the real world - you can't get any more time in a day but you can make the most of the time you have by staying in reality about how long things take.  Look over your calendar and to-do list again as you plan your day and make the necessary adjustments so you reduce your stress and ensure your priorities and commitments are met.  When you prioritize and list the order and the time it takes for each task you will see if you have to adjust the order or even move some tasks to the next day.

5.  Fuel - energy is the key to being productive.  Watch what you listen to, who you hang out with, what you eat and how much rest you get.  If you rely on caffeine for fuel it will become counterproductive.  It is an appetite stimulator and gives you a false sense of energy.  Protein, water and fruit are excellent sources to maintaining energy.  Walk, meditate and feed your mind positive reinforcement.  Routinely, look back over your calendar and to do list for habits and disciplines you can delete or add that will increase your energy level.

6.  Fun times - you need things to look forward to.  Add something fun to your calendar every day.  If you enjoy reading, then take a coffee break with your book.  If you have someone that makes you laugh make an appointment with them for a ten minute phone catch up.  If you enjoy a TV series you never get to watch then once a week watch it on your tablet or laptop for lunch.  Make a slide show of photos of your favorite people, put music to it and watch it once a month wishing life's greatest blessings are bestowed on those you love.

I love living a full life but I want it to be productive and as balanced as possible.  If that is what you want then incorporate these six solutions into your life’s savings plan!

Still learning,

Honey

Role Models at Work

You have heard it said, “hitch your wagon to a star”,  if you want to get where you want to go.  Aim high.  Be in search of those that have done what you want to do.  Role models are the stars that have aimed high and hit the target.  A role model is a person who others look up to and admire.  A role model provides inspiration and stirs up motivation in others.  Role models send messages about their convictions by what they do and what they say.  

Self-Assurance

A role model is self-assured and happy with themselves.  As you nurture a healthy self-esteem, others will look up to you.  Hang on to your independence; show you don’t need to follow current trends that don't  fit with your value system.   Maintain your balance.  Be proud of who you are, but never cocky or arrogant.

Manage Stress Positively

Being human means having to constantly deal with stress and routinely overcome obstacles.  A role model sets a good example on how to handle pressure.  Become a pro at handling stress and managing yourself when the pressure heats up.  When you mess up, be quick to forgive and make note of lessons learned and what you would do differently next time.

Trustworthiness

A revered role model is honest and works at refraining from exaggeration.   Treasure your integrity and do the right thing even if no one is looking.  Trust in the boomerang theory – what goes around comes around.

Perseverance

Deliver on promises and stay the course even when overwhelmed and you want to give up.  Perseverance is a key character trait.  Role models have a track record.  They have mastered the art of working hard while working smart for something worthwhile.  Become that someone that inspires dreams and determination of reaching goals in others.  Show others the way to get where they want to go.

Respect for Others

How you treat others says it all about who you are.  Kindness and courtesy are key ingredients to showing and receiving respect.   True models embrace accountability and responsibility and never take credit for ideas or solutions that belong to someone else.

Find a role model and become one.  Pass it forward.

Still learning,

Honey

Performance Booster Series - Communication Skills

Do people say you're talkative or do they say you're quiet?  Do you frequently feel misunderstood or ignored?  Are you routinely trying to get over your feelings being hurt? Do you get triggered when people give you feedback and end up acting defensive?

Take a long hard look at your style of communication and become acutely aware of what you could improve upon.  Is it your speaking ability, your reputation as a listener?  What about soliciting and providing feedback?  Do a double take on your tone of voice and your body language. 

Do you need to be more sensitive to others and reduce your bluntness or frankness?  Do you need to be less sensitive and not take everything so personal?  Self-evaluation is the place to start when it comes to elevating your ability to communicate. For all of us it’s very easy to take communicating for granted since we do it all the time.  

Remember whether you are sending a text, talking, emailing, nodding, frowning or rolling your eyes a message has been sent.  Be sure it’s the one you wanted to send. 

Are you aware that research makes these claims?

75% of all communication is non-verbal.

Writing only represents nine percent of the time we spend communicating.

The average worker spends 55% of his or her time communicating.

Check this out - a whopping 85% of business success is dependent on effective communication and interpersonal skills.

It is most common to focus entirely on what you want to relay to the point you are a slacker when it comes to listening.  Have you acquired that invaluable habit of confirming that others understood your message? Become a communication standout and hone in on confirmation you were understood by the listener or the reader.  Beef up your clear understanding of what others tell you by restating what they told you.  

There are times the tone you intended to convey whether in writing or even speaking was neutral while the receiver may interpret it entirely differently.   Solicit two-way confirmation and be on the lookout for how you can improve as a skillful communicator. Evaluate your gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and body language to be certain you are in sync with your message.  Learn to give others to whom you are listening your full attention, if you aren't sure what they meant or said ask for more information.  If you don’t have time to listen, ask if you could suggest a different time for the conversation.  Pay attention to how long you talk and give the other party floor time.

Powerful communication skills are a must for people that want to excel in relationships and climb the ladder of success. 

Still learning, 

Honey

Performance Boosters Series - Communicate Expectations

In the workplace expectations have a powerful impact on our performance. Expectations have a direct link to behavior and outcomes. One of the most common reasons for low employee morale and performance is poor communication of work expectations. Expectations are the basis for developing a written, negotiated employee performance plan. Expectations are consistently a part of training and coaching.
Expectations need to be conveyed in writing. When the leader fails to provide a written list of expectations because the assumption is the employee knows what is expected, we cannot be surprised when those expectations are not met.

It is best if everyone in the company is clear about the overall strategic plan and company goals. Employees need to see how their responsibilities and expectations contribute to the company’s goals. The leader’s job is to communicate expectations clearly and not allow assumptions room to grow.

Still learning,

Honey 

Coaching Yourself & Others Series – Goal Setting

Goals are dreams in writing with a deadline!

If you don’t know what you want, what direction to take, when you plan to get started and when you plan to get there you could end up with regrets and disappointment about not getting anywhere.

Get busy in your spiral notebook looking over your wants and making your list of goals.  Don’t leave any wants out, don’t discount one thing you want to make better or go for or wish you could achieve.  You can weed out and prioritize later.

The intention of goal setting is to place the focus on results. 

A key success tip in goal setting is the powerful SMART tool.  There are many variations of this dynamic mnemonic:

S             Specific (Spelled out or Significant)

M            Measurable (Meaningful)

A             Attainable (Action-Oriented or Achievable)

R             Relevant (Realistic or Rewarding)

T             Time-bound (Trackable)

You get more than one shot at writing out a goal, so plan on several drafts as you work toward learning how to coach yourself and others.    Keep this tip sheet handy as you craft your goals.

Pick up your pen – Writing out your goals will help to crystallize your thinking and move you from wishing and hoping to truly shaping up a formidable goal.

Go for precision – Spell out precise, short, to the point goals.  Putting dates, times, and amounts so you can measure results. 

Set realistic goals – Remember, these are your goals.  Others in your life will hand you goals (your employer, society, etc.).  Your own goals need to be achievable.  Be cautious to not set goals that are too difficult.  As you investigate what obstacles might need to be considered and what skill sets are required you may need to tweak your goals.

Set goals that are dependent on you and your performance – Examine your goals to be certain you have as much control as possible on reaching the goal. 

Express the goal in a positive framework – State the goal positively.  “Write in my journal 15 minutes five days a week” is precise, action-oriented, meets the criteria that you are in charge and is worded in a positive manner.  “Stop procrastinating about writing in my journal” is the polar opposite and ineffective.

Sift out the goal – This is challenging.  Ask yourself is this goal a true reflection of my values?  Who besides myself will benefit from me accomplishing this?  These are hard questions for goals to get past.  You will find the greatest satisfaction from working on and accomplishing goals that sync well with what matters most to you.  You will find a groundswell of support when what you focus your time, energy and resources on is beneficial to others.

More to come on Coaching Yourself & Others so stay in the loop!  Sign up for the blog so you don’t miss any segment of the series!  Sign up for our newsletter, too.  It’s free and full of tidbits that will help your personal and professional development.

Still learning,

Honey