Our previous blog post introduced coaching as an HR tool. This time, we go one step further and discuss the different types of coaches found in everyday HR. Every occasion asks for different guidance and depending on your needs, coaches like managers or peers can be extremely valuable in any organisation. Let’s take a look at some of their characteristics:
Managerial Coaches and Agile HR
Managers or team leaders set their goals and make sure to reach them with their teams. We can compare it with playing a game of chess: it is up to the coach to keep his eye on the board – maintaining an overview – while placing his players at their most favourable position. Each player have their own set of skills and a successful coach knows when and how to make full use of them. Cleverly combined the team-players’ various talents should bring a checkmate within reach.
An HR system can help a coach and his team reach their goals. The system stores personal details and other necessary data in a single system. A modern HR solution can be consulted when a team leader needs to fine-tune his tactics for example, or when he is selecting new suitable team players. An HR system also shows where skills are lacking and further training is needed. A great coach knows how to keep his team inspired.
Agile HR has been discussed a lot lately and coaching as an HR tool perfectly fits this trend. An Agile coach is not merely a task master; he allows his team to come up with its own solutions and smartly guide his team towards their goals. When he has picked the perfect players and provides the right means, this should work out fine. With his tactics in the back of his mind, the coach guides his team towards their goal. In the unfortunate event of things not going according to plan, it is up to the coach to come up with alternative strategies and take appropriate action. Staying flexible while working towards a common goal is an example of the Agile approach we mentioned earlier.
Peer Coaches Help Inspire Others
Peers can also act as valuable coaches within a team. Peer coaching is quite informal and an excellent way to keep a team motivated. Since all of its players are working on the same level, there is a common understanding of the actions that help improve a team’s overall performance. Using important inside information, a team’s high performers can help their peers; those in need of extra support. Peer coaching is an effective tool to share new knowledge within an organisation and develop new talent.
Peer coaching benefits from an open atmosphere, where team players can give honest, active feedback. Because of the non-hierarchical character of this type of coaching, constructive feedback becomes less intimidating and has a positive effect on sustainable change. Inspiring team players strengthen their team, help its development and guide it towards a common goal.
Do you already use coaching in everyday HR? Do not hesitate to get in touch with me to discuss the different options and how it would suit your organisation.
