From the Inside Out

During the last two days, I participated in a training class entitled, “Effective Coaching for Managers”.  It was facilitated by Greg Elkins from Lore International Institute.  If you have direct reports, I highly recommend this class.  It trains managers to become more adept at coaching employees.  Attendees learn best-in-class coaching models and valuable skills for delivering tough feedback in a non-threatening way.

For me, the sessions were eye-opening.  I participated in a 360 degree review process before attending the class.  Today, the instructor shared the results.  I learned insightful information about my coaching style and the styles of my direct reports.  This information will help me adjust my style to meet the needs of employees more effectively. 

The assessment also highlighted areas for improvement.  Through role play scenarios, I learned what I was doing right and what was “not so right” in my approach.  I practiced different techniques and honed my skills. 

Now that the class is over, I’m excited about the opportunity to address the issues I’m facing at work.  I feel better equipped to deliver tough feedback and address defensiveness when it crops up. 

Change can be difficult for employees, but without it they can’t grow.  It’s my job to make sure they are stretching beyond their comfort zone and developing new skills for success.  Ultimately, this will help them progress further in their careers. 

This class has inspired me to be more than just a manager.  I want to be a “developer of people”.  If I can motivate people to be more productive, turn weaknesses into strengths, and progress to the next level, that is one of the best legacies I can leave behind. 

What made my day “alarming” was the fact that my alarm didn’t go off this morning.  I set the alarm for 6 am to give me plenty of time to get ready.  My plan was to be in the office by 7:30 so I could prep for my 8 am presentation.  

Things didn’t go according to the plan.  I woke up at 7:15, glanced at the clock and freaked out!  Apparently, I set the alarm, but never turned it on.  I jumped out of bed, frantically got dressed and ran out the door.  Luckily, I made it to the meeting on time.  Even though I didn’t get any time to prep, the presentation went well, but whew, what a morning!

The rest of my day was filled with meetings.  It’s always good to put in “face time” at the corporate office. 

Tomorrow, I’m attending a management course, “effective coaching”.  I’m looking forward to it.  To prep for the course, I had to participate in a 360 degree feedback assessment.  It includes feedback from my direct reports, peers, and management.  The results should be quite interesting.  It will help me understand my strengths and weaknesses when coaching employees.  I think it will be very insightful.  Maybe I’ll learn how to get them to do more of my work for me…haha!
Pics. for today:  (1) the view from my office in Silicon Valley and (2) Building 21 of 50 in the corporate campus.