Ever wondered what’s going on behind the scenes as sports teams prepare and compete to be the best at their crafts? Wondered what motivates or inspires them to perform at their highest levels, possibly skyrocketing them to national championships?
What IS the secret sauce? More often than not, it’s the coach!
Yes, the person yelling in plays from the sidelines! Or jabbing his fingers in the faces of unfazed referees! Or even throwing headphones in a fit of pique when a play’s gone wrong!
YES, that one!
Now, replace the picture of that sports team with one of YOU and your colleagues! Coaching in the workplace has become an invaluable tool for personal and professional development.
And in a corporate setting, a workplace coach takes on the role of a guide, helping employees navigate challenges, enhance their skills, and increase their confidence.
Just as a coach designs key plays for each player based on strengths and weaknesses, a workplace coach partners closely with employees to help identify areas where they shine, and putting together plans to up their games where they don’t!
Coaches can help their team members build confidence, manage stress, and level up to their fullest potential.
Another benefit of coaching is the improvement in team engagement and relationship-building. A sports team functions at its best when players communicate seamlessly and work as a unit toward a common goal, whether it’s scoring the most baskets, swimming the fastest relay or serving the most customers.
A workplace coach facilitates effective communication, fosters teamwork, and helps resolve conflicts, and serves as a source of motivation — encouraging employees to stretch their boundaries, take on challenges, and realize their full potential.
It’s about unleashing the full potential of employees, much like a coach does for his team on the field.
Teamwork makes the dream work, right? So, your coach may not be the person hurling inappropriate words across your television screen at the height of the game, but he can be your team’s secret ingredient — and a game-changer for anyone looking to up her professional game.
It’s not about being the star; it’s about being the best version of yourself, and workplace coaches can be the secret weapon in your playbook!
Jeanne D. LoVette, DHA, currently serves as Designated Learning Officer/Midwest Consortium (MidCon). In this role, she leads the development and implementation of executive leadership programs throughout the four-VISN region.
Dr. LoVette has wide-ranging leadership experience, serving as interim executive leadership, and creating and standing up customer service and employee engagement programs during her more than 10 years with the federal government. She proudly served her country in the US Army and, as a servant leader, passionately “pays it forward” by serving as a certified leadership coach and mentor.
Dr. LoVette completed a doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Capella University, has earned certifications in change management, and is Green Belt certified. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a volunteer with The Reading People Literacy organization, and a Michigan State University alum who loves all things Spartan Nation!
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