The Manager's Pocket Guide to Workplace Coaching

Case Example

Let’s revisit Frank Able and Judy Smith at the public relations firm. Frank was getting to know Judy better. He had the sense that Judy had strong opinions, took pride in her work, and at times might be overly perfectionistic. Frank made a point to be very respectful of Judy’s ideas and gave Judy plenty of room to make decisions relevant to her sphere of responsibility. However, at times Frank felt that Judy responded to co-workers in a caustic manner.

Within earshot of Frank, Judy told Bob, a co-worker, that his suggestion for solving a problem was “a stupid idea.”

Frank waited until he could speak with Judy alone, and then he said, ...