Coaching Information

Coaching Skills for Peers: Extending Influence


Many people think of coaching solely as a management technique. Although coaching skills provide managers with the means to get business results while creating solid relationships, the value of coaching in other arenas is often overlooked. Utilizing coaching skills is also beneficial when cooperating and collaborating with others, developing influence within the organization, and getting effective business results.

Peer coaching is not a new idea, but is not widely practiced. In fact, there are significant barriers to its effective use. In some organizations, the "command-and-control" style of management is so entrenched that position power seems to be the only lever available to get others to consider a request.

More and more, though, organizations are flattening out, abandoning a rigid hierarchy, and encouraging people to come together across boundaries, divisions, and departments to unite efforts and talents in ways that may not have been possible before. Eliminating territorial attitudes and interdepartmental rivalries, and encouraging teamwork provides for endless possibilities.

Peer coaching requires many of the same coaching skills that managers utilize when coaching Representatives. However, peer coaching also demands a special sensitivity to relative situations. For example, a manager may address an issue directly: "John, I need to get some numbers from you on the Simpson project."

With a peer, a less direct approach is needed. Peer coaching requires asking questions, gaining an understanding of the other person's issues and viewpoints, and identifying areas of shared interest or concern. Peer coaching doesn't necessarily involve quid pro quo - "I'll do this, if you'll do that." But, peer coaching does involve identifying areas where one team member can be of assistance to another team member, or where the combined efforts of team members provide the most beneficial results.

As with all coaching skills, the most important piece of peer coaching is listening to understand. Learning more about various priorities allows people to identify areas for collaboration, while strengthening relationships and seeing team members as valued individuals. A team member's greatest untapped resource may be the opportunity to reach across boundaries, combine strengths, and achieve personal goals as well as the goals of the organization.

Quick Tip

    PEER COACHING REQUIRES:
  • Seeing the "big picture"
  • Asking questions
  • Understanding the other person's point of view
  • Identifying areas of shared interest/concern

If you would like to read more information on coaching skills for peers, managers, and leaders, please visit CMOE or you can speak with one of our Regional Managers who will be able to answer your questions. You can reach us at (801) 569-3444.


MORE RESOURCES:

Washington Post

Ex-Seahawk Jim Zorn's approach helps him stand out in coaching role
Seattle Times, United States - Nov 20, 2008
By Danny O'Neil PAUL SANCYA / AP Jim Zorn was the starting quarterback in the Seahawks' first season and returned as quarterbacks coach in 2001. ...
Zorn, again: Former assistant returns with Redskins Seattle Post Intelligencer
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Little news on the coaching search
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Clemson coaching search heats up, again
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By Will Vandervort (Contact / Staff Bio) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Clemson coaching search to replace Tommy Bowden continues to roll right along even as ...
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San Diego Union Tribune

Three-time Olympian, 61, still cycling, coaching
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Times-Journal, AL - 8 hours ago
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Rachele Fitz scored 36 points and Marist coach Brian Giorgis became the school's career leader in coaching victories as Marist crushed Northeastern 93-65 ...


Lindenhurst loss bitter end to Biancaniello's run
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Biancaniello said he doesn't want to retire and plans to continue coaching. "I need a new challenge," he said. "I'll be coaching football somewhere; ...


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By Michael DiRocco, The Times-Union GAINESVILLE - Florida football coach Urban Meyer knew he'd eventually have to deal with losing one or both of his ...
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Final game not just drop in the Bucket for Tiller
International Herald Tribune, France - 15 hours ago
So forgive the old Cowboy if he gets a little sentimental Saturday against Indiana, especially if he finishes his coaching career by reclaiming the Old ...
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May wins coaching debut
Briton SportsNews, MI - 9 hours ago
ALBION - Jody May was a winner in his debut as Albion College's head men's basketball coach as the Britons turned back Defiance College, 82-65, ...
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