Coaches don't solve problems. Coaches ask questions, have discussions with employees and help them come up with their own conclusions on what they should do. Coaches listen to them, share feedback, provide support, but the employees must act on their own.
The following recommendations on how to improve your coaching skills were published on TLNT.
Be aware of what coaching is
The relationship between a manager as a coach and the employee being coached is a partnership for development. In order for it to work, it has to be based on something the employee personally sees as meaningful and valuable in his work. It's a form of discussion about what the employee wants to achieve. He is looking for ways to achieve that in cooperation with the manager.
Consider who to coach
Suitable candidates are employees who want and are able to set goals based on what they want, or what they have observed about themselves while performing a job. New employees need to get orientated first, so training is more helpful than coaching for them. Coaching isn't the right tool for employees with serious performance problems either. They primarily need a clearly defined improvement plan to follow. Coaching can only be applied after that.
Guide employees to their own goals
Discuss possible goals with the employees being coached, but let them choose the goals they want to work on themselves. Help them choose clear, measurable and realistic goals, but leave them accountable for their accomplishment. The role of a manager as a coach is to motivate coachees to achieve goals, not to force them into accountability.
Don't only coach subordinates
After coaching as a manager for awhile, you'll find that you can use these skills in other working relationships as well - with colleagues, customers and even superiors. Arranging regular meetings would be an ideal solution, but coaching can also take place spontaneously. If an opportunity arises, ask questions and look for opportunities for improvement and growth around you. Build open relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
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