I recently completed reading the book “The Coaching Effect” by Bill Eckstrom and Sarah Wirht. In the book, Eckstrom and Wirth emphasized that real success in developing your team is not about “Managing” your employees, but instead “Coaching” them to improve their performance on a monthly, weekly, and even daily basis. To many times we are “Managing” them to achieve results that they are not prepared to achieve. Instead, we need to find ways to teach, instruct, motivate, and perturbate them into performing at a higher level. So, what does that look like?

First, being a coach allows you to focus on the individual needs and strengths of each employee, rather than simply directing them towards a set goal. By taking the time to understand each team member's unique talents, preferences, and challenges, you can tailor your coaching approach to best support their development. This individualized attention can lead to increased motivation and a stronger sense of loyalty and dedication to the company.

Additionally, coaching emphasizes collaboration and teamwork rather than top-down directives. By encouraging your employees to work together and support each other, you create a more positive and productive work environment. This can result in better communication, more creative problem-solving, and ultimately, better results.

Another benefit of being a coach rather than a manager is that coaching promotes a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A growth mindset emphasizes the idea that skills and abilities can be developed over time, rather than being fixed traits. By helping your employees adopt a growth mindset, you can foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which is essential for long-term success.

Finally, coaching can help your employees feel more fulfilled and satisfied in their work. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a lower turnover rate, which is a key factor in building a strong and successful team.

While being a manager is certainly important in many aspects of running a business, being a coach to your employees can have numerous benefits. By focusing on individual needs, promoting collaboration and teamwork, fostering a growth mindset, and promoting job satisfaction, you can create a more positive and productive work environment. As a result, your team is more likely to be successful in achieving their goals, and your company is more likely to thrive in the long term. If you struggle with being a coach, reach out to us and let’s have a chat on how you can get started.

Kevin Weir 5/16/2023