As we shelter in place, leaders are discovering their teams are hungry for connection. One leader shared that he noticed that many of his team members are more expressive and want more time in a virtual format. Cut off from spontaneous interactions with others, they want clarity about where the business is going and want to know that they are contributing. While spontaneous “coachable moments” that arise from leading by walking around have vanished, the chances to coach virtually are there if you recognize them. Here’s how to listen for and navigate those opportunities using your coaching skills.
Coaching Virtual Tactics
- Ask about the confidentiality of the meeting. Many at-home are using their kitchens, living rooms and underneath the stairwell to connect on their computer. Are they comfortable talking about difficult matters in these settings? Do they have headphones that prevent others from hearing? Consider using the “chat” line to converse about things that are hard to share aloud.
- Adjust your camera so that the person sees more of you (be further away) and make sure your audio is clear. When we see more body language, the communication is more complete and emotions are clearer.
- Use the assortment of tools of your virtual platform! Bringing in a whiteboard or document to write down themes or issues could bring depth to your coaching that you don’t get in person.
- Keep your 1 to 1 meetings regular and maybe increase them (time shorter) if someone requests that you do so. Remember, you are making up for all the spontaneous small interactions that happen when we work physically together.
- As you would with other meetings, identify the purpose of the meeting.
- If there is a coachable moment (depending on the relationship you have with this person), you can call out the opportunity for coaching (would you like to have some coaching on this or would you like some help figuring this issue out? etc.)
- Be sure to use the full array of coaching skills and process so that the person has a clear path and commitment to resolve their issue or just move forward in some way.
THEMES TO COACH DURING THE PANDEMIC
Coaching Emotions
Resist the urge to focus on tasks and always check-in with the well-being of all with whom you are talking. Active listening and empathy go a long way to helping others “name” the emotions like anxiety, fear, uncertainty even excitement. When you listen and share these emotions, it lessens isolation and opens up the conversation. As this article shares, it’s a rollercoaster: https://www.self.com/story/pandemic-therapy-trends
Challenges of Sheltering At Home During COVID 19
It’s a new “normal” for everyone working from home. Many of your team are dividing their time between homeschooling children, taking care of parents, coordinating daily “living together” necessities, and doing their job. Sleep and exercise are common topics when talking about coping with stress. Be open to these topics and use coaching to help them figure out how to manage their time and their focus so they feel successful on all fronts.
Capitalize Coaching for Development
These moments of uncertainty and more time alone can stimulate others to bring up questions and concerns about their aspirations and future they have never broached before. This is a great time to have people step back and assess their career opportunities. Simple questions like “what’s on your mind about your next career steps” can start the conversation.
Take Care of Yourself!
Coaching virtually can be intense! The emotions we are all feeling right now can permeate our interactions. Be sure to pause after your virtual meetings. It’s important to allow sufficient time between meetings (15-30 minutes) to reflect, walk around, and provide for your own needs. This helps you stay present and not be “burned out” from the focused interaction. This is true whether you are an introvert or an extravert. In this new environment, introverts may be more comfortable with being alone and extroverts may seek out interactions more fervently to manage energy. Know your own needs and respect them.
