Turnaround Coaching

So they've hired you a coach. Thing is, though, you're not sure that's such a GOOD thing. Seems like maybe they're trying to tell you something you don't want to hear.

That's the question that was posed to Chris Posti in her Q&A column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Reivew. "What we are talking about here," she answers, "is 'turnaround' coaching...to help the person 'turn around' their performance...Alternatives to turnaround coaching are rather unappealing: career stagnation, demotion, even termination." She then goes on to explain how to make full use of the benefits that coaching can offer.

I like her advice. All too often employees underestimate their boss' dissatisfaction with their performance. Or they discount the feedback they DO receive as inaccurate. Then one day - BAM! - they find themselves on some sort of performance improvement plan. Not that long ago, terminations or transfers were the only real options. Now there's another one called coaching. (Not all coaching, by the way, is turnaround coaching. HiPo coaching, that is the coaching of 'high potential' leaders-of-tomorrow, is also gaining popularity.)

So if your boss offers you the opportunity to improve your skills with the help of an external, objective advocate, do yourself a favor and TAKE IT! Ms. Posti agrees, "you will be happier, more productive, and less stressed." And that's good for you AND your boss!