Today’s reading pick:

A manager’s guide to coaching - by brian emerson and anne loehr

In this absolut useful book, two executive coaches, Anne Loehr and Brian Emerson, explain what coaching is, how it functions and how managers can learn to put it to work to improve employees’ productivity and morale. Often people are unaware of attitudes or behaviors that are holding them back or jeopardizing their careers. That’s where a good coach plays a crucial role. The authors delve into coaching’s methods, explain its benefits, and offer thoughtful instructions and examples. They devote the last third of the book to specific questions to ask while coaching. How you’ll react to the writing style, which is generally clear and serviceable, depends on if you think that “coachee” is a real word and that “everyone does their work” is good enough on the grammar front. Either way, this is a straightforward, practical book for managers who want to be productive coaches.

KEY Take aways

• An employee’s success depends on “aptitude, attitude and resources.” Attitude matters most. In fact, a better outlook can make up for shortfalls in skills or materials.

• Coaching helps staffers address behaviors and outlooks that hurt their productivity.

• The “W.I.N. B.I.G.” process outlines steps to use with your staff members. In the W.I.N. stage, ask questions to help employees develop self-awareness about issues that are holding them back.

• In the B.I.G. stage, help them plan and institute problem-solving action.

• Effective coaches believe in employees’ potential, remain detached, heed their own instincts, set an easy atmosphere, don’t bog down and show alternative perspectives.

• Coaches must “listen,” pay attention, offer “feedback” and “celebrate” victories.

• Coaching offers employees an exciting journey of personal and career growth.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!