Creating a Climate for Diversity: Tip # 11 – Performance Coaching

Provide performance coaching for every employee. Performance coaching consists of feedback provided by a leader to a staff member on an ongoing basis. Effective coaching improves work quality and productivity, develops skills, increases confidence and enhances an employees’ overall work experience. Successful performance coaching typically includes three steps:

1. Establish Goals - Ensure that each employee has specific performance goals, is clear about those goals, and understands how his/her role fits in relation to the unit’s and/or team’s goals.
   
2. Manage Performance - Ensure that each employee has clear performance expectations, and receives both positive and constructive feedback on a regular basis.
   
3. Generate Opportunities for Success - Help employees deal with work problems, remove barriers to success, and obtain the resources needed to be successful.

Be mindful that effective coaching is not easy so you should provide managers and supervisors with opportunities to develop their coaching skills.

Next Post: January 20, 2014 – Creating a Climate for Diversity: Tip #12