The concept that business leaders need to get into their heads sooner than later is “we are all in this together”. Management is a state of mind that implies a level of separation between those who are leading and those who are working. The reality is that all relationships are better when they are symbiotic and business relationships are no different. Coaching is different from management because, while management implies separation, coaching implies a close relationship. If business had more coaches, we would get more done, be happier at work and ultimately grow faster together.
Inspiring vs. Reprimanding
Most people know the anxiety that comes from “the boss is in a bad mood today” or “the boss isn’t happy”. Too many employees live in a kind of constant terror. However, if you talk to a coach’s team, “the coach isn’t happy” feels a lot different. A reprimand from a manager always feels like a threat. A coach’s words, even when harsh, are taken in the context of trying to push you to improve. This is because a manager treats you as you are, but a coach treats you as you should be. A manager reprimands and assigns blame; a coach inspires, motivates and doesn’t care about fault.
Expecting Perfection vs. Demanding Perfection
Managers expect perfection and are constantly disappointed. Employees of a manager always feel like failures and that they can never do enough. Coaches demand perfection, but don’t expect it. Coaches are prepared for failure and make sure their teams recover quickly from mistakes. Coaches constantly push their teams toward perfection, raising the employee’s expectations of their own abilities.
Loyalty vs. Resentment
There is a entire economy based off of “I hate my boss” products. People come to resent their managers and bosses as they seem to almost enjoy being a personal manifestation of all our stress and anxiety. Coaches, on the other hand, foster loyalty. This is because coaches are in it to make their teams better. Employees know that the correction or instruction they are receiving from a coach is for their benefit as well as the company’s.
Human Beings vs. Disposable Robots
The bottom line is that if you invest in employees as long term-team members, and not as disposable employees, then you will have a better company. Morale, productivity, quality and competency are all improved when people feel like people.
