“They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them…you show them the reasons.” — Vince Lombardi

Think of it like this: telling is tossing someone a life jacket mid-storm, while coaching is teaching them to swim. Both strategies can keep them afloat, but only one equips them for the future. So, let’s dive into the deep end and explore the nuances of each approach.

The Telling Tide:

• One-way street: Instructions flow downhill, leaving little room for exploration or ownership. Think “do this, do that, don’t do that.”
• Fast results, fragile foundation: Tasks get done, but the knowledge remains surface-level. Imagine building a sandcastle—impressive at first, but crumbles with the next wave.
• Limited engagement: Passivity breeds disengagement. People become “doers,” not “thinkers,” dampening their intrinsic motivation.

The Coaching Current:

• Collaborative dance: A dynamic dialogue where questions spark reflection, leading to self-discovery and ownership of solutions. Think “What do you think?”, “How can we…?”
• Sustainable learning: By grappling with challenges and finding their own answers, people build a sturdy foundation of knowledge and experience. Think building a coral reef— slow but enduring.
• Unleashing potential: Engaged minds ignite. People become active participants, driven by a sense of purpose and ownership.

So, when do you switch tides?

• Telling for speed: Facing a time crunch? Need immediate action? Telling can be a tactical maneuver.
• Coaching for growth: Cultivating long-term skills and empowering your team? Dive into the coaching current. Watch their confidence bloom, their problem-solving muscles flex, and their contributions soar.

Ultimately, the choice isn’t about finding the “one true way.” It’s about understanding the context, the people, and the desired outcome. Remember, telling might get you to the finish line, but coaching empowers your team to win the race. So, ditch the megaphone, grab your swim trunks, and get ready to ride the coaching wave with your team. Let’s build a company where everyone swims, not just treads water.