Coaching Up First

The number one person that is most important for the success of people that are counting on you is you. At all times, keep that in mind to make sure you are running at optimal potential. You need to also make sure you are checking in with your key drivers, the ones you know are making a positive difference, encouraging them to keep going because they are your 20% that are doing 80% of the work. But who then do you need to focus on after these people? Who are the ones that should have your next highest investment in them?

In any community, you will have 85% of people that do the right thing the vast majority of the time. You will have 5% that just can't quite seem to get much right. That next 10% though is really what will make or break your organization. If you can get that 10% coached up, and 95% of people are doing the right thing most of the time, your organization will be cruising. You will still need to invest more time in that 10% than others, but the more you can communicate them priorities and the purpose for doing what you ask, recognizing their growth, and empowering them to make the good decisions, the impact they make will be tremendous. If you can't get that 10% coached up, you are looking at 15% now doing the wrong thing most of the time, and that is unsustainable.

This is true about workforces, civilizations, classrooms, student bodies, governments, sports teams, etc... So how do you identify those 10%? Look for the ones that were highly engaged, motivated employees that are slowly removing themselves from committees, sponsorships, or other value adding activities. Look for the ones who are starting to consistently show up late to meetings, or who are saying less when the group is working together. Look for the ones who are starting to complain or pass blame, taking less ownership than they initially were, and there you will find the ones that you need to be coaching up.

We all go through a point in our careers, lives, or relationships were we peak and can cruise for a bit. We might still ride some positive momentum without really trying for a bit. If we are not careful, the friction and inertia of life will turn that coasting into slowing down and doing less good. At this point, hopefully someone is there to turn things around. Asking questions about how a person is doing or feeling, because it could very well be outside influences that are bringing a person down. Or that person had a decision made that went against them, and they have shut down for the time being. Or that person thinks they are doing good enough, but are blind to the facts of what are really happening. Whatever the case, guiding that person back up as soon as possible will get them back towards the 85% where they should be. Based on how long that downswing has been going, we may need to spend more time and energy with them. But if done correctly, the reengagement boost can be incredibly fun to watch!