Do You Even Coach Bro?

Jac Hughes
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read

You only have to Google coaching frameworks to be bombarded with all sorts of useful techniques to draw answers from people.

GROW

EAST

STEP

SMART

All of the above are tried and tested, proven to work by many people over long periods of time.

The problem with frameworks however, is that we turn them into methodologies. There is a risk that our coaching can become mechanical and the human aspect becoming lost along the way.

Sticking to one way of coaching is similar to only to using only one method of Project Management. There is no such thing as one size fits all.

We need to be able to pivot, we need to be able to adapt.

Framework — An essential supporting structure of a building, vehicle, or object

Methodology — A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

Human emotion can’t be controlled within a methodology, but using frameworks can help us contain it within a safe environment. Simply going through the motions of following a system will not serve the teams and individuals you work with.

You will get found out.

People want to feel like you care.

They want to feel like you are engaged.

How do we become coaching agnostic?

I have recently been reading The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. The first chapter is all around building safety. Rooting the foundations from the start.

The book also mentioned these 3 points which I believe can help us construct real, personal connections.

Get personal — Up close connection, conversations, body language that transmits that you care about the team or individual involved.

Performance — Constant open dialogue and feedback that has been asked for ensures everyone is aware of the standards expected. No more sandwich feedback. Two way conversations and magnifying praise will create the trust and consistency needed.

Perspective — Conversations about what is actually going on the world. This helps you and others remember that life is bigger than work.

Implementing the above on a day to day basis will build the environment where people realise the value in coaching.

They will feel safe.

Trust will be built.

They will make you a better coach.

Human emotion can’t be controlled within a methodology .

Written by

Agile practitioner, occasional podcast host, author of ‘Resettle’ and former sailor who is still trying to make sense of it all.

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