In leadership, it is important to be a good manager and a good coach because both are critical for long-term success. So what is the difference between managing and coaching? When you are managing you are more focused on the business and when you are coaching, you are more focused on the employee development. Disciplined leaders understand their most important asset is their people. To maximize their potential you have to learn to be an effective coach to challenge their potential and to help them grow. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you are a good coach and have nothing to learn. Look for opportunities to learn or to sharpen your coaching skills and it will enhance your overall effectiveness as a leader.

Here are three ways to develop your coaching skills:

Find a coach to coach you. MAP Senior Consultants are excellent business coaches. When I joined MAP, I was impressed with their ability to ask the right questions and coach clients. In my time working with our firm, I have learned techniques they use and put them into practice to become a better coach. Whether you work with a MAP Consultant or other person, you can greatly benefit by finding a coach for your individual development. Not only will you grow, but you can also learn the habit and practices of a good coach.

Classes or certified programs. There are a wealth of coaching classes available for today’s business leaders. Classes range from a one-day course to a full blown certification program. If you are interested in taking a class, do the research or ask a MAP Consultant for guidance on effective programs. Not all courses are created equal, so it is important to find a class with the right trainer and model that will work for you. I recommend looking for a course that focuses on business coaching versus life coaching.

Adopt a coaching model. Regardless of the resource or training you take, find a coaching model that you can consistently apply at work. A proven model will equip you to apply consistent coaching actions that make you more effective. For example, coaching an employee for performance improvement looks different than coaching an employee for development. Your ability to recognize these different situations and apply a model that is situational will give you the tools you need to get the best outcome.

What are some qualities that make a great coach?