360 Degree Feedback

20 Leadership Coaching Tips

For most managers, providing feedback to a direct report is an event that is avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. By then it is often too late. The result of not providing timely feedback is low employee performance and morale. Our research has shown that most employees feel they don't get enough feedback from their managers (both reinforcing and redirecting).

Managers need to be good coaches in order to effectively resolve problems and motivate their employees. We recommend that managers who lack these skills attend a Performance Coaching course that gives them the knowledge and practice they need to achieve competency in this area. In the meantime, you can share the following list that provides some practical advice for coaching others.

20 Tips for Giving Feedback
  1. Find a neutral, comfortable, and safe climate to provide feedback.
  2. Connect with the person before jumping in to coaching.
  3. When giving feedback, describe the situation: What you saw happen, and the consequences as you saw them.
  4. Deliver the message in a direct and straightforward way, without sugar coating or beating around the bush.
  5. Point out the impact the person’s behavior has had on you and others.
  6. After giving feedback, listen attentively to the other person without interrupting.
  7. Allow the other person to express feelings and emotion without becoming emotionally hooked yourself.
  8. Ask the person for a more effective course of action.
  9. Set specific goals and follow up.
  10. State the consequences of the ineffective behavior.
  11. Seek to learn from the experience, rather than to find someone to blame.
  12. Before concluding, restate the points discussed and your agreement for the next steps.
  13. Maintain strict confidentiality with personal or sensitive information.
  14. Develop a relationship of trust and cooperation with the other person as a result of giving feedback.
  15. Do NOT speak for others or pass on others' feedback.
  16. Do NOT exaggerate by using words like "always" or "never" unless they convey their literal meaning.
  17. Do NOT use cynicism or sarcasm to make your points.
  18. Do NOT phrase your feedback in the form of a question, such as "Do you think that you can …?"
  19. Do NOT belabor your points or do most of talking.
  20. Do NOT attack the person. Focus on the desired behavior.
Becoming a good coach requires practice and time. These tips can help managers become more confident in their ability to handle coaching situations. It is important to remember that most employees want (and need) feedback from their managers. Studies show that good coaching leads to increased morale, better performance, and lower turnover.