Coaching, Mentoring and Managing: A Coach Guidebook

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few copies like this one. So write a new headline now and

get it in to editorial.

Jan:

You bet!

Coach:

And, Jan ... what are you going to do with it this time?

Jan:

I’ll make sure the press people know we’re altering the

plates, and then I’ll go straight to typesetting.

Coach:

Great thinking. Go for it!

Deductive Thinkers

Another way people accept or process facts is through

deductive reasoning. When you mentor people whose minds work

this way, you must make things logical. These people prefer linear,

analytical explanations — point A to point B. You have to go into

detail ... sometimes almost defending your own thought

processes. These people have to understand each step. When you

stop and say, “Okay, now you go ahead and do it,” they’ll

probably say, “Can you run through that one more time, please?”

If you’re a Type A personality, these deductive team members will

test your patience threshold! You will be tempted to shout, “I told

you twice! Why do I have to tell you again?” But they’re not

doing it to upset you. They truly need to understand. Once they do

understand a task, they’ll know it. So, lay it out logically, walk

them through until they get it.

Sensory Thinkers

A third way people learn or accept facts is through sensory

experience. These are “hands-on” people. They have to see it, hear

it, touch it. They have to go through the full experience. Only then

will they “own” the process with you. To best mentor sensory-

oriented people, give them the time they need to explore.

Coaching, Mentoring and Managing

4

Deductive thinkers

have to understand

each step.

Sensory thinkers

are “hands-on”

people.

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