If you’re a good manager and you want to improve the skills of the people working with you, this self assessment can help.
First, ask yourself – “Without any formal training, could I help people who come to me with this problem? What working experience have I had in this organization?” Then, read the following points and give yourself a rating of 1–10, with a 10 being you are an expert and could help others without any training or further help.
Listening –
There is more to listening than just hearing. Capturing the unsaid makes up the core of the listening skill.
Feedback –
Be ready to give some constructive feedback without sounding judgmental.
Observing –
Stay alert to the underlying feelings so you can act on them.
Analyzing –
As a coach you will come across several information which you will have to analyze and draw conclusions from.
Communication –
Be comfortable with communicating yourself, whatever be the medium.
Timing –
Be aware of when your client needs to move to the next stage. You should also know when to ask what type of questions.
Assimilation –
Be prepared by integrating all your information.
Organizing –
If you are not organized, you are bound to get confused. Keep your entire information and work load in an orderly fashion.
Empathy –
Be kind and compassionate to your coachee’s needs and problems.
Ethical –
Maintain your coachee’s information in confidentiality.
Complimenting –
Feel free to compliment and acknowledge the accomplishments of your coachee whenever necessary. Celebrate successes.
Motivating –
Encourage your coachee’s and make them feel confident about what they are doing.
Empowering –
Empower your clients to move ahead and succeed.
Energetic –
You have to be energetic because you need high levels of vigor to be able to motivate.
Positive –
You as a Manager-Coach should be positive in your approach, attitude, tone and even writing. It is your positive outlook that spreads to your coachee’s.
Creative –
You have to come up with a number of new ideas to help your coachee.
Thirst for knowledge –
There are new things happening every minute and you, as a coach, have to be familiar with the changes around you. Update yourself with research and get familiar with new areas that you may encounter. This is so you can help your coachee with what he prefers to work on.
And now, a reality check!
Now, put together all the skills you scored below 7 for. Be true to yourself. Remember, you have to work on these. Ask yourself:
“Can I build up on the skills where I scored less than 7?”
“Am I committed enough to tackle my weak points and master them?”
You have to be practical at this juncture. As for those skills where you scored over 7, it’s good news! That’s half the job done.
Adapted from Ton De Graaf, How to become a coach, Bookboon
