Employee Coaching is like the Super Bowl

Coaching is fundamental to sports.  Why not, business?

• Why should employees have to go it alone?
• How do employees learn teamwork?
• Why should we expect employees to “know” how to overcome every obstacle?
• How do employees learn to set goals and stay disciplined to an action plan?
• Who is their champion in face of all adversity?

I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard a client say to me, “I want a candidate who can hit the road running as I don’t have time to train.”  Those are not words from a true “coach.”  Professional athletes never show up on the football field without their coach preparing them for the big game.  Why does this happen in business all the time?

A recent study by Bersin & Associates reveals that coaching significantly improves company results and employee performance. If company performance is not up to your expectations, maybe, just maybe, the reason is not the individuals on our team.  Maybe the coach is not doing his/her job?       

In honor of my hometown Indianapolis hosting the 2012 Super Bowl, my recommendation to all business owners is to run your business like a sports team.  Embrace coaching.  Get involved with day-to-day mentoring.  Teach, encourage, and support your employees.  Coach your team to victory! 

Written by: Ann Clifford