60 SECONDS ON BUSINESS
The secret to being a coach? Just do it

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

Here are eight questions that managers trying to be better coaches often ask:

1. Doesn't coaching someone create tension and stress? Sure. And doing it poorly creates even more tension and stress. So you might as well concentrate on doing it well.

2. How long does it take before you get good at coaching? Some people are natural coaches and have been able to help others early on. Others learn from a good coach they've had. Others take classes to learn.

3. What is the secret to good coaching? Three rules. Practice. Practice. Practice.

4. What happens if I coach everything right and they still don't improve? No matter how great the coach is, the player still has to make the shot. Good coaching can prepare the team and the players, but the team has to perform itself.

5. How should I handle emotional outbursts? Expect them and be ready to empathize. Use the same emotions to focus people back on the task at hand. If they're crying, wait them out with support but return to the issue.

6. What if people know what I am trying to do? What matters is execution. Whoever can execute most consistently will usually win.

7. Can I coach my boss? Sure. You can "coach up" but you don't have any consequence to bring to the table, except for what might happen if the boss doesn't listen.

8. How can I find time to coach? You'll wind up spending more time dealing with the problems that result from not coaching.

Reach Dr. Drake Beil at drake@60secondsonbusiness.