Coaching for Staff Development

Coaching is distinct from simple delegation - good coaching demands good communication skills, an understanding of different learning styles, and a willingness to analyze one's own motives and work practices. This text provides managers with a five-point plan for long-term staff development. The effective manager gets work done largely through others and thus the ability to coach is one of the most important skills of a manager's job. It goes well beyond delegation and involves the short- and long-term development of staff. Good coaching brings direct benefits both to the organisation and to the individuals involved - better working practices, enhanced teamwork, increased creativity, better communication, less crisis management and enhanced personal satisfaction.