In-the-moment coaching can be woven into any conversation with anyone at any time to foster learning, understanding, and commitment to change.
This type of coaching is not an event, and it doesn’t need to be intimidating. It’s a way of relating to others and a leadership style that can be used by anyone in the organization at any time. Here are five reasons to incorporate in-the-moment coaching as a way of life for yourself and your organization:
1. People feel heard and respected.
Employees resign because they don’t feel like their managers respect and care about them. Often this occurs because managers lack the skills to have meaningful conversations. Equipping managers with in-the-moment coaching skills gives them the tools and confidence to step into essential conversations they may be avoiding.
2. People can talk about things that matter.
We cannot change things that we can’t talk about, yet often the things that we most need to change are the hardest to discuss. In-the-moment coaching that focuses on shared understanding and curiosity about how others see the world bridges differences.
3. Learning becomes a way of life.
Learning how to learn is a skill that is strengthened when people use in-the-moment coaching approaches to address day-to-day challenges in new ways. Coaching promotes the iterative approach of trying new things, reflecting upon the outcome, and trying again that builds learning muscles.
4. Change becomes easier.
When people feel heard, supported, and confident in their ability to learn new things, they are far more likely to embrace change and the risk associated with it.
5. A psychologically-safe culture emerges.
When in-the-moment coaching becomes incorporated into an organization, it becomes the foundation for a culture where people feel safe, seen, and supported to realize their potential. This is a culture where people will work together to address shared challenges in thoughtful, cooperative ways to make a meaningful difference—attracting the best and brightest people.
These benefits are only realized when the coaching focuses on igniting insights that inspire people to take action.
Insight is the engine that drives coaching. It’s the “aha” experience of learning something new that motivates people to take action. And taking meaningful action is what makes coaching so effective. Perhaps the most important, but often overlooked, element of coaching is the intention to help others realize their potential. This is what ensures that coaching is always offered in service of others and cannot be hijacked for manipulative purposes.
When this kind of coaching in the moment becomes ingrained in an organization’s culture, potential springs to life.
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