Dr. Ryan Meers

Coaching can definitely be about correcting behavior, the difficulty is discerning which definition of coaching you are working with. There are many definitions out there today. In addition to correcting behavior, coaching can also be about helping the other person to develop themselves by discovering their areas of strength & potential. What about management? What are your thoughts on that area of skills? How would you define a manager? Ryan

Excellent ideas. I personally never like it when the speaker is relatively unseen until they do their presentation. I like to get to know the audience & then when possible pull a conversation I just had into my presentation somehow. Ryan

Absolutely. I heard an interview with Tony Blair yesterday regarding leadership & he talked about how one of the most important aspects of leadership is just doing what you say you're going to do. I think this is exactly what you're talking about in regard to building credibility. Ryan

April, I could not agree with you more! I think you've nailed it right on the head with the difference between the two ideas & also with your comment regarding a good supervisor being aware of wearing two hats. I was talking with a leader who is also a certified coach the other day & he pointed out that sometimes a coach-leader can seem somewhat directive but that is because he/she is being a cheerleader for the employee. Often when the employee is not being their own cheerleader. Just something interesting. Ryan

While it is important not to let our emotions run away with us it is also important to acknowledge their presence & even the important role that they can play in these situations. They can often be a good indicator to us of what is happening in the negotiation. But you are absolutely right that they must be watched & managed. Ryan

Excellent point & to turn it around, the people you are negotiating with probably feel the same way. So very crucial to build trust. Ryan

Good call. In addition to listening, I would add truly seeking to understand the employees' points of view. Ryan

Absolutely. My personal feeling is that the more preparation you can have the better. I honestly do not think there is such a thing as being "overprepared." Ryan

Good ideas. I also would stress the need to keep in mind who your audience is & exactly why they are listening to you. This aligns with your main points, but also goes a little deeper as you seek to understand their motives for being there. Ryan

So true. Can take a long time to build trust, but only an instant to kill it. Ryan