Even the best sports team cannot succeed without a good coach who will come up with clear objectives and develop the skills and talents of his people. The same is true for work teams - a good manager should also be a good coach. He should inspire his team to perform well and take responsibility for it. The following four sports techniques can be your inspiration for a coaching based approach to people management.
1. Home team advantage
In sports, the home team has always an advantage in terms of fan support. In a work team, management support is the same advantage. Good manager encourages his team using recognition and feedback to increase engagement.
2. Power play
Good manager knows how to connect the skills of his people with opportunities to maximize these skills. He supports new ideas and processes to meet the set objectives. He allows for individual work which will return in the form of better business results for the whole company.
3. Team time-out
Successful managers provide feedback to their people at least once a week to keep focus on the most important goals. The proactive instead of reactive approach helps the team to get better prepared and motivated.
4. Star of the game
Not only the whole team but also successful individual players need recognition for good work. Good manager provides the recognition specifically, often and at the right time. Just as sports coach, he praises the player who scored more goals.
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