Coaching for Excellence

Coaching is helping individuals to source their own answers. It is helping the client to see the power of possibility. As an Executive Coach, it is important that I learn to ask powerful questions to direct the coachee inward, and recognize I do not have her/his answers.

We live in a culture where being right is very important. It is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be more directive in my coaching approach. That is simply not my job. When I allow individuals to discover her/his answers it is so much more powerful and empowering!

There are so many great tools and techniques available for working with a coachee. Many of my favorites come from Learning Journeys The International Center of Coaching. Please check out their website at learningjourneys.net for a list of classes and certifications.

As I continue to coach executives, I will remind myself it is her/his journey and not mine.

Question for the week: How can you continue to increase your effectiveness as a coach?

Employee Re-engagement

Leigh Branham's third book, co-authored with Mark Hirschfeld, is called RE-ENGAGE. The book addresses the six rules of "re-engagement" for organizations, and is research based. It shows "how America's best places to work inspire extra effort in extraordinary times".

The six rules of re-engagment are as follows:

• Build Trust among workers, managers, and executives.
• Deal with problem employees and dysfunctional environments.
• Inspire teamwork that crosses generational lines and diversities.
• Promote excellence through training, rewards and benefits.
• Value the contributions of individuals and teams.
• Show employees that you genuinely care.

Each principle is supported by a company actually practicing it. Leigh also offers some practical suggestions for your employees.

Having known Leigh for a number of years, I know how passionate and knowledgeable he is about employee engagement. I suggest reading and keeping this book on your shelf as a reference guide.

Question for the week: How engaged are your employees?

Gratitude

As we begin the Holiday season, it is a time for reflection, introspection and gratitude for the year coming to a close. We reflect on our famiiy, friends and the myriad of good fortune we experienced throughout the year. However, how often do we practice gratitude at work? How often do we spend time expressing our appreciation to the co-worker who helped with the project? Or the boss that supported us? It is a simple concept, yet seldom practiced in our work environment.

Eileen Caddy once said, "Gratitude helps you to grow and expand, gratitude brings joy and laughter in to your life and into the lives of all those around you." Today as you think about the individuals and teams that have supported you, take a moment to express your gratitude and appreciation. It will go a long way towards creating a more harmonious and joyful work environment.

Today, who will be the recipient of your gratitude at work?