Coaching Conversations for Managers

Communication is the lifeblood of coaching, but that doesn’t mean being the one that talks the most, quite the opposite.

Be mindful that your words, play a smaller role than we think, so pay attention to the use of body language and tone.

• Words only make up 7% of communication. (They help send images to our brains).
• Tonality makes up 38%. (They help give meaning to those images).
• Body language 55%. (Communicates intention - still counts just as much on Zoom calls).

However, the most important aspect of communication for coaching is the art of asking questions that provoke thought and encourage self-reflection.

Instead of asking, “Why didn’t you do x?” we might inquire, “What’s working?”

Instead of demanding, “Are you doing what I told you?” we might ask, “How’s it going with?”

Here’s a tip on what I say and do before engaging in a coaching conversation.

Ask for permission to coach - Do this during your Getting To Know You session.

"I believe coaching can help us unlock our full potential and overcome any obstacles we might face along the way. However, coaching is a partnership, and it only works if you're open to it. Would you be open to engaging in coaching conversations as we work together?”

Find patterns for your performance assumptions - one-time findings won't work as well and are prone to build resistance.

Once you do find patterns, and you've set the stage/broken the ice; start your coaching conversation with:

"What's working?"

Although general, this gets them in a positive receptive mind state.

Follow with:

"Thank you for sharing, I agree. "I (also) observed "X" and found some things that may be helpful to you, but before I tell you those, would you mind telling me what is working in that regard as well? Where do you think you got stuck? And what you'd do differently next time? - Afterwards, I'll give you my answer to those questions in case of anything you may have missed."

Coaching is not about dictating solutions but about guiding the process of self-discovery. By asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers, we empower those we coach to find their own way, creating a profound impact that goes far beyond mere words.