Manager or Coach or Both?
The Need to Be Both a Manager and a Coach
You hear a lot nowadays about how managers are supposed to be both coaches and managers. Rachael Lewis, an executive coach, says that “The manager who is skillful in both not only has more tools to work with, but also discerns when coaching is needed and when managing is required.” But what do these words–managing and coaching–really mean? Lewis gives her definition:
-Managers set goals and define the parameters for success.
-Coaches help employees figure out how they will accomplish the goals.
-Managers design roles and hire employees.
-Coaches know each individual’s style, strengths and desire for growth.
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-Managers might say: You work for me.
-Coaches might say: How can I help?
-Managers delegate responsibility and authority.
-Coaches help people translate skills from old experiences to new experiences.
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-Managers communicate clear expectations for performance and consequences of non-performance.
-Coaches help employees reach their full potential and find new strategies when old strategies no longer work.
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-Managers show the direction the company is going.
-Coaches build team esteem and inspire individuals to want to achieve great results.
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-Managers do the thinking.
-Coaches foster entrepreneurial thinking.
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-Managers hire trainers for training.
-Coaches promote just-in-time and ongoing learning.
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-Managers focus on tasks.
-Coaches focus on developing employees.
-Managers manage for results.
-Coaches develop the strengths of employees.
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-Managers address crises.
-Coaches develop team collaboration and planning.
I’ve always said it this way…. Â
“To achieve what they desire, Managers seek to require….coaches seek to inspire” ~ Kirk Weisler
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Hi Kirk,
Terrific insights - are these published by Ms. Lewis? I might like to use some of these quotes in a training I’m developing, and I’d like to cite a reference if there is one.
Thanks!
Jim