Explaining Options When You Coach
I was coaching a client, Cindy, about what to do in a particular situation. I said, “Let's explore some options.”
She said, “Oh, options seem so formal. I want something less formal.”
I thought about it a few seconds and said, “Okay, how about some steps you might take?”
“Yes, I can see some next steps.”
One of the best things you can do as a coach is to help your coachee understand his or her options. And, some people don't like the word “option.” What do you do then?
You can use the word “step,” as in “What step do you think you might like to take first?” Or, “What steps can you see?”
It's a small language change. It's still about the coachee's options. And, maybe it's not so scary or intimidating as options.
We coach people all the time at work. Sometimes, we coach formally, as I do. Sometimes, it's less formal, as many team leaders and managers do. And, no matter how formal the coaching relationship is, you want to make sure that the language that you use is perfect for your coachee.
Once you have that language right, you can start talking about consequences or results that arise from these options or steps.
It's all in how you present it, isn't it?
Join my workshops in London, May 16 and 17
If you would like to learn more about how to coach, I'll be leading an experiential coaching Master Class,on May 17 in London. It's Coaching for Leaders: Exploring All Coaching Stances. We will explore and practice much about coaching.
On May 16, I will be leading another workshop, Starting Your Agile Project Right! That workshop is about chartering, selecting iterations or kanban, and many of the other issues with respect to starting–or restarting your project right.
You can take just one workshop or join me for both at a substantial discount.
The early bird discount expires on May 1. Please sign up now.
I hope you decide to join me.
I'll be at Let's Test, in Sweden the week of May 20, 2013.
I'll be at Agile Development/Better Software the week of June 2, 2013 in Las Vegas.
Do you know about the AYEQuartet and ChangeArtistry 2013? It's open to those of you who have studied experientially.
Are you new to the Pragmatic Manager newsletter? See previous issues.
I've been writing articles like crazy this year. I'll be posting the recent articles over the next week or two. If you see one that interests you and you would like me to speak about it, let me know.
I keep my blogs current with my writings: Managing Product Development, Hiring Technical People, and Create an Adaptable Life.
Johanna
copyright 2013 Johanna Rothman