HBR Guide to Coaching Employees (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 10

Avoid Common Coaching Mistakes

by Muriel Maignan Wilkins

Managers learning to coach are often eager to use their newly honed skills with their staff. But even a few missteps can easily discourage managers from committing to coaching their employees over the long haul. Here are four common mistakes made by managers learning to coach, as well as guidance on how to avoid—and correct—them.

Common Mistake 1: Coaching the “Mini-Me”

Coaching is about helping your team member reach her own potential. Yet, time and time again, managers instead try to coach individuals into the managers’ own image. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to coach your team member into a replica of yourself, or she will become rapidly disengaged from the coaching ...