Coaching: Let them do the work

The best coaching behaviours I’ve seen in recent years was a colleague who had the unique ability very few have. They let me do the work.

In two different examples I came to them with problems, one relatively straightforward and one relatively complex and in both circumstances they discussed the problem with me and then said, “well I know a way to do this but I think it would be a great use of your time to figure it out on your own. If you get stuck give me a shout.”

In both instances the feeling of accomplishment when I’d completed the work was immense. In one example the solution I came up with was actually a lot nicer then the one they had in mind. That felt really good.

So coaches/seniors/anyone helping someone else out. Give the person looking for a help a chance to gain that satisfaction themselves, knowing that you are there if they need support.

People learn by doing, and figuring out a solution is the doing. Let them do it.