At the recent People and Performance 2003: Strategies for Positive Outcomes conference in Brisbane, Dr Tim Baker of WINNERS-AT-WORK, a human resource development consultancy specialising in management coaching explained the advantages of one-to-one coaching to promote performance and staff skills. Here is a summary of his presentation.

What is management coaching?
Management coaching focuses on achieving specific workplace objectives usually within a preferred time period. Mentoring, on the other hand, is a useful adjunct to coaching, specifically in providing career guidance and long-term support, as opposed to the relatively short-term and performance-related purpose of most coaching. However, it is not counselling which is an area of advice and assistance that in most instances centres on helping with problems.

Is management coaching growing?
In a survey by the Industrial Society published in 1999 covering more than 300 organisations, over 80 % reported that coaching and mentoring has improved the achievements of individual performance targets and goals. In the same survey, most of the organizations planned to increase the use of management coaching. The proportion of organisations using coaching has already increased from one-third in 1996 to two-thirds in 1999.

What advantages does management coaching have over traditional training?

1. One-to-One Approach
2. Flexible Delivery
3. Customised to Suit Individual Needs
4. Minimum Disruption to Workplace
5. Learning is Based on Personal Insight & Self-Awareness
6. Results-focused
7. Access to a Coach
8. Non-threatening Approach
9. Value for Money

What do Participants think of the Process?
Participants regularly comment about the personalized approach and the benefit of having a coach who is not in a power relationship with the participant. Much of the feedback tends to suggest that this approach has a greater possibility of modifying a manager’s behaviour than traditional training because it is based on action plans to change specific workplace behaviour.

More information can be obtained on this programme from Dr Tim Baker of WINNERS-AT-WORK at tim@winnersatwork.com.au or 0413 636832. Or visit our website: www.winnersatwork.com.au