THELEADER ASCOACH 239
Finally, although delegation is key, not all leaders have developed habits
that foster success. In each situation, the leader should consider:
- Is the assignment understood?
- Can you measure the results?
- Does the individual understand and accept his or her role in implement-
ing the assignment? - Is there a deadline?
•Have key issues been evaluated and addressed? - Are all necessary resources available?
•Do I, as a leader-coach, understand and accept my role in supporting
the individual implementing t he assignment?
Effective Coaching: Structured Learning
As addressed earlier in this chapter, the majority of individual development
occurs through on-the-job experiences, but structured learning is an impor-
tant piece of the puzzle as well.
Most people have access to structured learning opportunities through the
organization they work for, or through private and public training and educa-
tion organizations. Learning opportunities may be focused on specific skill
sets required in a current job, on expanding existing skills into a broader role
for the individual, or even on developing new skills to prepare for a job or ca-
reer change.
What role should a leader-coach play in structured learning? The most ob-
vious role is for the leader to strongly support and encourage continued
learning. A leader who focuses on his or her own professional growth and en-
courages growth in others will foster a team that values learning and devel-
opment. Coaches often help decide who on their team should participate in
structured learning programs, what learning is required, and at what stage of
their career they should participate.
Per haps a subtler, but more important role for the coach, is helping the in-
dividual properly apply their structured learning experience to the real-
world situations they will face. The closer the structural learning is to the
assignment, the higher the employee’s knowledge and skill retention. “Train-
ing on the job” and “on the job training” are both important, and they are
most effective when used together.
As his son’s Pine Wood Derby coach, Dave encouraged him to learn how
to build the car, helped determine which skills were required (e.g., using a
saw to shape the car or painting the finished piece), and took the time to
teach him these skills. But more important, Dave explained to him the