Unlock Potential: How a Coaching Approach Can Transform Your Workplace and Life
- David McNamee
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
In today's fast-paced world, are we truly thriving or just surviving? Saba Imru-Mathieu, in her inspiring TEDx talk, points out a disheartening reality: only 15% of workers worldwide report being fulfilled at work. This isn't just a statistic; it represents countless individuals experiencing stress, a lack of meaning, and strained relationships. But there's a powerful shift happening, a move towards leaders who coach, and the good news is, you can embrace this approach too.
Forget the old top-down model where leaders have all the answers. The future of work revolves around collaboration and honoring each other's humanity. Leaders who coach understand this. Their secret weapon? They ask rather than tell. Imagine a conversation where, instead of being bombarded with advice (the "tell mode" we're often trained in since childhood), you're asked thoughtful questions that help you unlock your own solutions.
This "ask mode," as Saba Imru-Mathieu illustrates, creates space for reflection, dialogue, and ultimately, empowers you to take ownership. This simple shift honors your autonomy by letting go of the need to always control, acknowledges your competency by demonstrating faith in your ability to find solutions, and fosters relatedness through genuine engagement.
The foundation of effective coaching, however, is trust.
As the "Growing as a Coach" reference material highlights, building an environment of trust and respect is paramount. This involves getting to know your employees personally, being vulnerable, actively listening to their opinions, keeping commitments, and communicating honestly....
So, what do the best coaches actually do? They listen and ask questions, guide and challenge, give honest feedback, empower, motivate, and encourage, provide support, and role model the desired behaviors.
Ready to take the first step? Saba Imru-Mathieu offers a simple yet powerful sequence of questions you can use today:
What do you really want? Help them define their desire in detail.
Why is this important to you? Encourage them to connect with the meaning and value.
How will you go about it? Provide an opportunity to explore their options.
When will you start? Invite them to take that crucial first step.
Remember, when you ask these questions, listen carefully, don't interrupt, and resist the urge to give advice. This is about empowering their thinking and helping them find their solution....
A broader coaching framework involves four key stages:
Discover: Understand the situation by asking questions like "What's the issue you'd like to discuss?" or "What concerns you most?".
Explore: Explore options by asking "What have you tried?" or "What are the possible solutions?".
Plan: Plan actions with questions such as "What actions will you take?" and "When will you complete each?".
Act: Provide support by asking "What progress have you made?" and "How can I support you?".
Whether you're a leader, a manager, a parent, or simply someone who wants to improve their relationships, adopting a coaching posture can make a significant difference. Even learning the basic skills can be transformative. By shifting from a "tell" to an "ask" approach, by prioritizing trust and genuine inquiry, you can unlock potential in others and contribute to a more humane and effective world, one conversation at a time.
So, take the challenge! Try asking those four simple questions during your next conversation. Witness the power of coaching firsthand and become part of the movement creating better workplaces and more fulfilling lives.
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