Everyday Coaching -- Intro

Part of my 5-part series on coaching: Intro, Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

Today, I'm launching a 4-part series on coaching. I love to coach. It's my favorite part of my work. I like nothing better than teaching others and sharing insights and then watching people succeed and flourish.

Unfortunately, I understand that many leaders don't actively coach. I know, I know. It's hard to believe, but it appears to be the case. Many leaders say they simply don't have time and time is an issue. However, I can't help but believe that a lot of leaders don't coach because they really don't know how. Let's see if we can help make coaches feel a little more comfortable.

The posts will cover the following outline:

Part I. Coaching -- Definition, Purpose and Application
Part II. Situational Coaching
Part III. Ongoing Coaching
Part IV. Tips for Effective Coaching

This will be a really good series, but I'm not smart enough to have thought of all the stuff I will cover all on my own. I do have a lot of coaching experience and I've read a lot of coaching material. The best down and dirty overview of coaching I've ever read comes from an article written by Lois Frankel, Ph.D. and Karen Otazo, Ph.D, "Employee Coaching: The Way to Gain Commitment, Not Just Compliance" that was published in "Employee Relations Today, Summer 1992 edition". Those are some smart folks and I will draw heavily from their article, but paraphrase in my own words. I just want to ensure these fine doctors get the credit they deserve.

OK, on to Part I.