The 4 power tools of coaching
Leaders need to become good coaches. Here’s a quick look at the most essential gadgets in your toolbox, courtesy of executive coach Gregg Thompson.
- Power Tool No. 1: Acknowledgment. Fully recognizing who your people are and what they bring to the game is a powerful thing. Consider this traditional Tibetan greeting: “Tashi deley.” It means “I honor the greatness in you.”
- Power Tool No. 2: Big Questions. The right question is almost as important as the right answer. Ask provocative questions in good faith and your people will go to the moon for you. Here’s one: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Here’s another: “If you had an unlimited budget for your work, what would you do with it?”
- Power Tool No. 3: Intuition. Share your ideas, thoughts and gut feelings with the people who look up to you. Your perspective is important , but remember, it’s not about your war stories. It’s about helping your team members make the best decisions they can with all the available information.
- Power Tool No. 4: Silence. Be quiet and let your people hear themselves think.
