Coaching? I thought coaching was for sports not entrepreneurs. Wrong. Day one of a three day course titled “The Entrepreneurial Leader” was focused on the coaching of employees for better performance on the job. I learned about the differences in coaching and mentoring, coaching methods, behaviors, problems and overcoming coachee negativity.
For the first couple of hours, I was concerned my business and model under which we operate was not a fit for this course. The team at E.H. Anderson PR is based on unique ability. Our in-house team is small because we specialize in pitching and video, but when clients need web sites, graphic design, contributed articles and other marketing communications work, we outsource it to our team of specialists using their unique abilities. Each specific project outsourced requires that I coach them on that particular project. By noon I realized best practices of coaching come into play as much as with my in-house staff.
Here is an excerpt from the course materials by NOVA Southeastern University professor Bob Preziosi, DBA:
Coaches must be credible and visible. Actions of a good coach include;
1. Expect the coachee will succeed.
2. Challenge him or her to change.
3. Inspire for execution. Excellence in coaching = Excellence in performance.