Achieved Strategies

Part II -  Lack of Time for Coaching:

In this three part blog series, I’m exploring truths that no longer have relevance in leading change in today’s businesses.  In this second part of Ditching Truths, I want to explore the falsehood that too many managers succumb to – no time to coach employees.

I hear from managers often that they don’t have time to coach employees.  The reason is too many meetings and not enough desk time.  It’s logical.   I tell them it’s an illusion that there is a lack of time.  The response I get is priceless.

Here’s the deal: meeting-suck (the time lost to endless streams of meetings) tricks us into believing we have to attend these meetings and that no other option exists.  Let’s go back to community for answers.  (See Part I for more on the connection to community).  And in this case the employee community.  Managers, have another employee attend a meeting on your behalf. Use it as a coaching opportunity. Use the freed-up time to coach another employee.

Okay, so what does this have to do with change? During times of change, managers/leaders must be available to help coach employees through change.  A good place to start is managing meeting-suck. Use the available time to demonstrate leadership-by-walking-around. Talk with staff. Listen to what they’re thinking. Get input on ideas you’re considering.

Coaching is truly an art.  Coaching employees is situational.  To know the best way to coach the employee in a given situation means managers must coach.  An endless stream of meetings is no longer a good enough reason to not spend time helping employees grow stronger to contribute at a higher level.  And during change initiatives, it is a weak excuse to use meetings for the reason that you’re not available.  Stand out from the rest of managers, and make yourself available to your staff during times of change.

Alright, what do you think? Let the comments rip.  Share ‘em below.