WAIT! This article has been updated! Please check out the new best practices HERE.
Can Coaching be as effective if it’s done through a computer screen from miles away?
Absolutely!
By definition, a Crisis comes with titanic challenges. Adjusting to a huge portion of the workforce that is now using home offices and virtual meetings has been one. When a company makes a strategic pivot, teams must shift to support the new direction regardless of where they’re working from. Using Catalytic Coaching effectively through a screen can be made easy and will ensure you stay on track.
Here are 4 tips for successful Coaching via Zoom (or any other virtual platform):
1) Remove distractions. No matter where you host your meeting, best practices have always recommended reducing distractions. That can be difficult for parents who are now working from home. Young children are noisy, even if they aren’t actively trying to get Dad’s attention. School kids trying to complete their distance learning work may need to ask Mom a question at an awkward time. Dogs seem to always know the worst time to start barking.
Encourage team members to find a quiet room away from household bustle
Coaches may need to be available outside “normal office hours”
Be sure everyone has their email and other notifications set to silent so you don’t get any pop ups on the screen.
2) Be seen. It’s crucial that both the Coach and their team member see each other during any Catalytic Coaching session. Connecting is easier when you can lay eyes on the other person. Remember that HOW a Coaching form is delivered is just as important as WHAT is on the form. Most laptops have decent cameras, but external USB cameras can be used for desktops or when higher quality video is wanted.
Don’t forget to look into the camera whenever possible while talking
Create good lighting that illuminates your face
3) Prepare to share. And to follow along. Each meeting is guided by a Coaching form. Both the Coach and the employee should have their own copies of this form. For virtual meetings, this can be easily accommodated. Physical copies can be printed directly from the software or downloaded as PDFs and sent via email for printing. For those that have limited printing capabilities at home, they can also view the form on their computer either from within the software or as PDFs.
Avoid screen sharing the forms. This will interrupt the ability to easily see each other.
If you’re going to view a digital copy of a form instead of printing it out, use a dual-screen monitor setup so you don’t lose sight of the other person.
Just like in face-to-face meetings, it’s best to wait to submit your form in the software until after your meeting. This allows for updates that may arise and will prevent the need to ask an admin to reverse sheet submission.
4) Update Coaching ASAP. Pretty much everyone is in the midst of some kind of company pivot(s) that will change the Coaching someone needs. Chances are high that the Development Plan created prior to March 2020 is not as relevant now.
Use the Off-Cycle Coaching feature in the Catalytic Coaching Online software to populate fresh Coaching forms. This will let you revitalize Focus Areas for new organizational needs.
While typical best practices is to meet for Progress Updates on that Development Plan once per quarter, massive change or an overwhelmed employee may need more Coaching. During a Crisis, provide the support based on your team member’s needs.
Unfortunately some Career Paths will be derailed by a Crisis. Managers will need to coach their team member in how changes will affect their previous plans and how they now fit into the organization’s need.
There’s a brand new virtual workshop available to support companies that are Coaching Through Crisis.
Garold (Gary) Markle is the creator of Catalytic Coaching and author of Catalytic Coaching: The End of the Performance Review. He brings real world experience from 17 years in HR leadership in major corporations coupled with 20 years of teaching small and mid-sized organizations how to cultivate their leadership and ditch their detrimental performance reviews for a proven Coaching process.
Book Gary to speak to your audience about speeding your pace of significant change.
Connect with him on LinkedIn - Check out his videos on YouTube - Sign up for emails or Request information - Follow on Facebook
