5 Reasons to Coach your Employees

Times have changed.  Gone are the days where you could just give your staff and order and expect them to  simply get on with it, regardless of whether they agreed with you or not! This approach may still work for your baby boomer employees but if you have a workforce filled with Gen Y's then in order to be an effective manager, you need to change your approach.  

Employee coaching is a great technique that when used properly, gives you the opportunity to improve and discuss employees performance regularly, allowing your staff to grow through feedback and mentoring.  Much more effective than the once a year performance appraisal!  

Please see below five of my top reasons to effectively coach your employees:

1.      Make sure you are clear on coaching methodologies and questionnning techniques. Get trained up yourself and follow a consistent coaching model to improve staff engagement and performance.   Make sure you practice your coaching skills regularly.

2.      Find out from your staff what they like to do and why.   Discuss with them which part of their job makes them feel fulfilled and happy and be open to new or modified roles for employees.   If possible, work with your employees to find a role that suites their values, passions and aptitude.

3.      Take time to find out what type of communication methods work well for your employees.   Ok, the Gen X and baby boomers may prefer face to face conversation or email, but the Gen Y's just love instant messages!  Coach your employees and find out what you need to do to effectively communicate with them.  Make sure you mould your communication style to fit the person you are working with.  This will lead to greater understanding and build rapport more easily.  It's not just the communication method that's important, this also includes your choice of words, body language and personal boundaries.

4.      Listen.   Sounds obvious but I mean really listen.   If your mind is wondering off worrying about deadlines or other stuff you need to get done then you are not actively listening.   Get present in the moment before speaking to people and give them the pleasure of your undivided attention.

5.      Understand different Values and personalities.   Be aware that all employees will have a differing value structure so tap into these different motivators.   Good employee coaching adapts to the unique style and needs of the person being coached.