Page 32 - 2016 September Voices!
P. 32
It’s Worth More Than Two Cents
Tips For Coaching that works
(The Three Aspects of Feedback - Part 2)
by Eric Winger, DTM
Have you ever every day may build confidence.”
given someone your Encourage questions and debate—Actively
“two cents worth”
and they didn’t encourage questions while coaching and be open
take it? Too often, to disagreement. After all, if they disagree with
perhaps? It’s a common frustration. Just get a you, at least you know they’re thinking about
group of parents together and you’ll quickly hear what you said.
about all the great coaching that was squandered
by the next generation. Small Doses—Try giving small suggestions
However, if we stop and analyze the frequently, especially if you’re in an ongoing
fundamentals of coaching, we can avoid some mentoring relationship. A doctor knows an
pitfalls and make your advice worth more than overdose can kill you. Too much coaching all at
just two cents. once can kill a desire to learn.
Before you Coach After Coaching
Know when to coach. And when not to. They didn’t take your advice. Darn. Let’s look
Wait—In Toastmasters, every speaker knows
at some reasons why.
exactly when they will get an evaluation for their Anxiety defeats coaching—In my experience,
speech. The real world is not so easy. Football
coaches don’t hold practice immediately after a an uptight, edgy person or a person who is tense
big game. Instead, they wait until Monday. Write will have a harder time accepting coaching - even
down your suggestions, then wait. You might if they ask for it. It might be better to subtly help
even decide your idea wasn’t that good after all. them find a way to relax.
Ask—Got a doozy of a suggestion that will You won’t bat 1,000!—Some of the best
help someone’s work by a factor of 10 but not sure advice I’ve received in the last few months
if they want to hear it? Try asking. If they want was “You won’t bat 1,000!” Don’t expect to
your suggestions but are currently busy, they’ll be successful every time you coach. Take the
often suggest a time when they can concentrate approach of some sales organizations who only
on your ideas. expect about 3% of their sales calls to result in a
sale. I’ve found this takes a lot of the frustration
Not in front of a crowd—Unless you’re a away.
professional coach, singling out someone for
coaching in front of a group can be destruc- Don’t take it personally—If someone doesn’t
tive. That person may feel embarrassed and like your ideas don’t get defensive. Instead,
feel picked on creating long-lasting resent- remember that your coaching is for their
ment. Rather, pull the coachee aside for a benefit - not yours. Ironically, you can also learn
little one on one time before delivering your something from rejected coaching by listening
recommendations. carefully to what the coachee says. You might
learn something important.
While Coaching
You’re ready to spread your wisdom. Most important! If you haven’t figured it out
already, this article is not only about coaching,
Remember these tips. it is coaching!. . .for you. That’s the best way to
Be specific— Just like appreciation, coaching is learn how to coach—ask for coaching every day.
It will help you be a better coach.
most valuable when it’s specific. Avoid unrealistic
suggestions like, “Just be more confident when And. . .a good Coach is worth much more
you shoot!” Instead, focus on practical feedback than two cents.
such as, “Practicing your jump shot 100 times
Eric Winger joined Toastmasters in 2009. He is
a member of Feedbackers and Silicon Forest where he
serves as VP Membership.
32 Volume 3 Issue 3 - SEPTEMBER 2016
