Time-Saving Secrets for Coaching Managers

Busy managers complain, “I don’t have time to coach.” But coaching is the #1 thing employees want.*

Time-saving techniques aren’t about getting more done. They’re about doing what matters most.

Time-saving techniques aren't about getting more done. They're about doing what matters most. Image of sand falling through fingers.

10 Things Coaching Managers Do

  1. Empower – Give authority vs. Hoard power
  2. Relate – Partner vs. Superior
  3. Inquire – Ask vs. Tell
  4. Trust – Enjoy the process vs. Stress over control
  5. Develop – Give feedback vs. Give instructions
  6. Support – Lift up vs. Push forward
  7. Let go – Release vs. Control
  8. Listen – Seek feedback vs. Do all the talking
  9. Experiment – Try stuff vs. Need perfection (fear failure)
  10. Build – Build on success vs. Obsess over problems

Time-Saving Secrets for Coaching Managers

#1. Ask time-saving questions.

Use words like “best,” “first,” “one thing,” “now,” and “next.”

  1. What’s your best suggestion?
  2. If our roles were reversed, what’s the first thing you would tell me?
  3. What’s one thing I’m doing to help you succeed?
  4. What’s one thing I could do better?
  5. What’s one thing that would take this to the next level?
  6. What’s one thing you need to stop doing?
  7. What commitment needs to be made now?
  8. What’s the first thing you need to do to resolve this?
  9. Considering your strengths, what will you do next?
  10. What would you do next if I wasn’t here?

#2. Begin with the end.

Sometimes you need to hear the whole story. But during brief interactions, skip stories, excuses, and background.

Say, “Let’s begin with the end. What’s the bottom line?”

#3. Elevate people over tasks.

  1. Monitor your use of time.
  2. Elevate people-time.
  3. Eliminate busy work.
  4. Restrict options by asking, “What’s the most important thing?”

Pro Tip: Follow up requires managers to keep notes.

Coaching takes time. Done well it saves time.

Which time-saving technique would help you do what matters most?

Successful Time Management isn’t about Getting More Done

Afterword:

Keep in mind that older employees don’t care about development as much as younger. Also, disempowered team members just want you to tell them what to do.

*https://hbr.org/2016/12/what-great-managers-do-daily

*https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/managers-coach-managers-to-coach#introduction