Coaching skills to boost performance
As we transition from downturn to upturn, the key priority for organisations is to move from survival mode to performing mode as quickly as possible. In order to achieve this, managers need to adopt a management style that will enable them to overcome the challenges associated with the recession particularly in the areas of staff morale, retention and performance. The question is which management style is best suited to boost performance in these difficult times?
There are quite a number of leadership styles. The classic leadership styles are particularly well known; these include autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire.
Coaching is increasingly gaining in popularity in the workplace; this has given birth to the coaching management style. The coaching management style is at the other end of the spectrum, instead of controlling and ‘telling’ (autocratic style), the manager uses coaching skills which includes exploratory questions and active listening. Here the manager encourages their staff to find their own solutions to problems; and supports them in decision making. The coaching management style is non judgmental, supportive and empowering which is conducive to staff development.
It should be noted that the coaching style is different from laissez-faire where the manager takes a ‘hands off’ approach giving staff complete freedom. In the coaching style, the manager and employee agree actions, responsibilities and timelines. The employee is accountable and is expected to feedback progress to the manager.
The coaching management style offers various benefits to the individual and to the organisation including:
- improved morale, motivation and commitment
- increased self confidence
- improved problem solving and decision making skills
- greater sense of responsibility
- greater self awareness
- improved ability to handle change
- enhanced employee engagement
- improved individual performance
There are no right or wrong management styles. Managers tend to use a range of styles depending on their own personal preferences, the situation, employee’s attitude, employee’s competency level and the culture of the organisation. The coaching management style provides the approach required to create a high performing and motivated workforce – which is ideally what is required for recession recovery.
Managers interested in developing the coaching management style are advised to start by engaging a coach. This will give the manager first hand experience of the value of coaching. He/she will also experience different coaching tools and methods. The manager can then attend a coaching skills training programme.
What are your views on coaching as a management style?
