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Listening like a coach is a very critical, very necessary
business. The manual, Learn to Listen, by Jim Dugger, National
Press Publications, explains the different ways that people listen
and the necessity of perfecting this little taught skill.
“Proactive” Mindset
Another key to effective coaching is to be “proactive.” An
effective coach doesn’t wait for things to happen. She makes them
happen. Are you introducing new ideas ... new solutions? Or do
they happen only as a reaction to problems? A proactive coach
beats problems to the punch!
Example
Claire:
Hi, Pat. What are you looking for in here?
Coach:
Oh, hi, Claire. I was just wondering if taking this wall
out would make it easier for computer designers to get to
the copier room?
Claire:
I never thought about that. Wow! They have to go clear
around and through the break room to get here now.
Coach:
I know. And they use this color copier three times more
than anyone on the floor.
Claire:
They will love you if you do that.
Coach:
Well, I think I better check first and see if the building
maintenance people would love the idea. But it sure seems
as if it would make sense.
In this example, Pat is looking for ways to make her staff’s
jobs easier. Although she cannot yet promise that a wall can be
removed, she is thinking about how people can do their jobs better
The Five-Step StaffCoaching™ Model