Dan Rockwell (aka. Leadership Freak): 10 Practices for the Leader as Coach
"Leaders who tell people what to do can’t coach. The use of authority creates conformity. The leader as coach ignites vitality.
10 practices for the leader as coach:
#1. Learn and grow.
Know-it-alls make lousy coaches. Self-development is the first development.
#2. Notice.
Command and control leaders are blinded by their agenda.
The leader as coach notices:
The leader as coach means others are the center of attention.
#3. Ask more than tell.
Curiosity drives coaching. Knowing gets in the way. Even if you think you know, ask questions like you don’t.
#4. Provide space for response.
Silence is the space where change begins. Don’t interrupt a person who is thinking.
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#5. Don’t compete.
Don’t out-do, one-up, or make yourself the center of attention. Good coaches are salt and pepper, not the meal.
#6. Have your own coach.
If you want to coach have a coach. It’s hypocritical to think others could you use coaches but not you.
#7. Challenge bull crap.
Challenge one-sided perceptions, inconsistencies, and helplessnes
#8. Move conversations from aspiration to action.
Success distills into simple behaviors that produce desired results. Talking about results is easy. Describing behaviors leads to action.
#9. Turn toward the future.
Coaching is forward-facing. You aren’t a psychologist or an analyst. You begin where people are and build the future.
#10. Feel optimistic.
Coaches believe growth is probable. You can’t coach someone you don’t believe in.
Bonus: Hold people accountable for the goals they set for themselves.
Which of the above practices do you find most useful for the leader as coach? What would you add to the list?"