Too often, coaches forget that the ramifications of a coaching exchange extend beyond the two people having a conversation. It’s a formal organizational activity, not just a personal dialogue. As such, you need to coach like your organization’s reputation is on the line. Leaders often don’t realize that what they say and do in individual coaching sessions sends a strong message about organizational values and the behaviors they’re willing to tolerate. Though Tony eventually promotes Ralph, he resists this action for a long time, because he knows this promotion will send the wrong message. Ralph is a sleaze, and Tony knows that Ralph’s values are different from his.
If your values and your organization’s values are synonymous, the key to good coaching is being open and honest. If you tell a direct report how you truly feel, you’ll be sending the right message both for the individual and the organization.
TONY’S COACHING AHA!
You gotta be straight with your people or they’re never gonna be straight with you.