Coaching isn't always the answer!
As someone who advocates leaders adopt a coach-like approach, I have no reservations admitting that coaching isn't always applicable.
How do you decide when to coach, and when to direct?. This isn't straightforward. However, if you are just beginning to coach your team, the following may be a good starting point:
❌ Don't coach if you can't give people time to figure things out on their own.
If there is no time, don't coach
❌ Don't coach someone when they lack the required knowledge and skills
You can show someone how to do a task, or you can point them to where they can learn to do it. You can take a coaching stance - but be careful not to make things more complicated than they need to be.
✅ Do coach when motivation is low
Extrinsic motivation only goes so far, so you have to help them find and align their inner motivation with your purpose.
✅ Coach those who are already doing well
Help high performers breakthrough and contribute at a higher level.
❌ Don't coach beyond your ability
Recognise your limitations. The last thing you want is to give up in frustration.
Coaching can be one of the most impactful ways to lead your team - as long as you know when to apply it, and perhaps more importantly, when not to.
