Coaching

In the business world, we use the words “manager” and “supervisor” interchangeably. I want to add another word to the mix “coach”. Many people view managers/supervisors as babysitters for adults. There is more to management than conducting performance evaluations, managing difficult personalities, and getting people to work together.

My perspective of management may be a stretch for some of you. I view management the same way I view the coach of a sports team. As a manager, you’re always looking at the big picture, juggling personalities, work responsibilities, etc.

The coach of a sports team does the same thing. However, one thing coaches have mastered is their ability to get the best out of each player. As a manager, think about everything you deal with on a day-to-day basis. Now, think about the coach of a sports team. Both deal with the same thing. The only difference is his salary is a lot higher than yours.

The goal of a coach is to have the best team in his/her particular sport. If the coach has the best team, they will win the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, or Stanley Cup. Your goal as a manager is to have the best team in your organization.

In order to have the best team, you have to help your employees reach their full potential. As a coach your job is to help your players get better at their particular position. You have to coach your employees up. Help them get to the next level in their career. Push them to their limit, if you have to. You hired each employee because you saw something in them that would make your team better.

You’re coaching a team, but you’re also coaching individual players. You have to know the strengths and weaknesses of each member on your team. You help them with their weaknesses, but you “play” to their strengths.

Like a manager, being a coach encompasses conducting performance evaluations, managing difficult personalities, and getting people to work together. Look at your employees from the perspective of being a team not just a group of people that come to the office everyday. Don’t look at yourself as a babysitter for adults. Look at yourself as a coach trying to get the best out of your employees. This broader perspective will help you have the best team in your organization.

If you have a question or comment leave it below or email me at corjoejen@yahoo.com