Coaching & Mentoring For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 21

Ten (or So) Coaching Myths Debunked

IN THIS CHAPTER

Setting straight common myths surrounding coaching

Getting a fresh perspective on the realities of coaching

A big factor that holds some managers back from learning to function as a coach is they are stuck on certain misconceptions or myths about coaching. These myths tend to fuel insecurities and reluctance to gain new skills, let alone put them into practice. This chapter contains nine such misconceptions.

You Can’t Afford the Time to Coach

Of course coaching takes time. Everything you do as a manager involves the use of your time. The question to ask is: Who can’t afford to put time into coaching?

When you function as a doer (see Chapter 2), and then attempt to shift to managing as a coach, the way you use time needs to change as well. Time becomes something you budget and balance. You use it more to help others be more effective instead of spending it primarily on your own activities. Coaching thrives on the use of quality time; that is, spending time with your employees that helps them go back to their jobs to perform effectively and self-sufficiently. That’s time well spent.

Coaching Is Only about Being Nice to Employees

Although coaching certainly isn’t about being mean to your staff, coaching also isn’t ...