Preparing for the Coaching Discussion

Coaching is, in many ways, a negotiation. And, just like a negotiation session, the better you prepare, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. Consider the following questions before you begin a coaching discussion. Your answers will provide a framework for conducting a win/win interaction.

1.  What is the problem? Identify the specific problem. Exactly what is happening that shouldn’t be or what should be happening that isn’t? Some typical problems may include (a) coming in late, (b) excessive absences, (c) sales down, (d) customer complaints, or (e) incomplete reports. Make sure you define the problem in specific “behavioral” terms. Remember, a bad attitude is not a specific behavioral ...

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