How to Coach

Chapter 1

The coaching discussion: the five O’s model

Any coaching discussion is simply a structured conversation. Once you have the structure, you can adapt it to your own style and needs. You can use it to help your team; you can use it with colleagues to help solve problems; you can use it yourself to work through the toughest challenges you face. It is a simple framework and a simple way of thinking. There is no magic beyond a disciplined way of thinking and dealing with challenges.

It is easy to make things complicated, much harder to make them simple. But life is short, so let’s make things simple. The structured conversation boils down to the five O’s. Once you have mastered these, you have mastered the basics of the coaching conversation. ...