When coaching I always start on a positive note
The saying a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down is very discriptive for useing a positive statement to open a coaching tecq. positive reinforcement makes it a little eaiser to digest the more negative words the coachee may hear. if positive statements start the conversation then it can sometimes lessen the more negative words opening the coachee to hearing constructivbe critizsm.
I believe that all team members have something positive to contribute. As manager it is important to show your employees you value their contribution.
I employ the sandwich method, start with identifying what they are doing well, then ellicity a response about the area of your concern and provide feedback then, end on a positive reassurance that you know they will be successful.
Dawn,
this is a good strategy as it helps prevent the feeling of being attacked or that they aren't doing anything right.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In the Army, as a leader and at my position as a Technical Instructor, I have been taught that it is better to start with the 'positives' and work to the 'improves'. When I've got a soldier who is struggling with marksmanship I may start with something like, "Your body position is excellent. Now, let's work on your trigger squeeze."
Mr. Meers is absolutely correct in that it helps prevent the coached from feeling that you are attacking them on a personal level, or that they have failed at the entire task. What a lot of soldiers and students seem to not understand today is that success often comes in small steps, and not one giant, LeBron James styled leap.
Colin,
great example & when we start with a genuine positive, the person will be more ready & willing to receive the critique.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Humorously as I am taking this course, my six-year-old started playing soccer. I have been noticing the tactics that her coach, who is pretty awesome based on the content of this course, employs while dealing with a group of children. He always starts the game by giving direction and recalling for each participant the lessons from the previous game. During the game, he points out the things they do well and gives gentle reminders of changes that need to be made. At the end, after observing, he talks to each player and first points out things they did well or improved on, then gives them something to work on during practice before the next game.
It makes sense that people would shut down if they feel that only the negatives they do are noticed. Starting out with a positive and transitioning into something to work on, will help the coachee to know that everything is being noticed, not just the bad.
Travis,
and that building on the last time is a great way to help keep the learning & development moving forward.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that a positive comment at the beginning of the coaching session and before the negative can soften the correction. However, it is very important to have an atmosphere of trust with your employee or else the positive can sometimes not come across as sincere.
Theresa,
so true, we want to build trust & credibility while helping to improve.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Starting with a positive note gives employees a foundation of confidence.
norma,
so true & it helps remind them that you are not trying to destroy them, but help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
A coaching session that goes well, will not leave the person unhappy, but thankful that you showed genuine interest in making them better. They may even thank you after the session has ended.
brenda,
this is a great point & you are right that an effective coaching session will be satisfying to both parties.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always start with the positive when coaching, but still find some instructors can be very sensitive when I give feedback that is not perceived as positive. I don't want to water down the feedback, what should I do?
Everyone likes to have a positive reinforcement. I know I would not like any negativity. So I feel to be able to effectivly interact with someone, treat them as you would like to be treated. Positive encouragement is the only way to good outcomes.
I agree, this is so critical. When you are task oriented, it is easy sometime to just try to jump in and attack the specific issue. So, I have to make sure I always review the situation and look for the positive. Every coaching session is more productive if you start with the positive and then move to the those areas of opportunity. The person is more open and receptive to hearing your input knowing that you recognized the postive things they are doing, just basic coaching approach.
