Your coaching skills are needed more during times of difficulty than when things are going well. When you are faced with the "R" words: reductions in force, rightsizing, realignment and restructuring, traditional management skills can leave you frustrated. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, coaching skills will give you the ability to be a motivator, advisor, mentor and healer. Well-developed coaching skills will enable you to mobilize and energize the people around you.

Time after time I have observed managers and executives thriving in difficult times by using a coaching approach. At the foundation of their success was a base of generosity. These managers were willing to give of themselves even when they were unsure of their own future. They did not disappear, cut deals for themselves, or only pass on the party line. The lessons learned from these managers includes:

1. Don't focus exclusively on your own survival.

   Naturally, these individuals work hard at landing on their feet during difficult times, but they never forget the people who work for them. Like army lieutenants in battle, they always go back for their own. It may be something as simple as arranging an informational interview or encouraging an individual to go back to school. They are tireless in helping people in whatever way they can.

2. Make yourself available.

   It is difficult to face the fear and sometimes anger of employees as the organization begins to face tough times. I believe, however, that managers can help people make the most of these trying times. Sometimes it's listening to the concerns of an employee with overwhelming family responsibilities. In other cases, your availability can put an individual's mind to rest about his or her near term future. Keep people informed on an on-going basis. Your frequent communication will pay dividends and limit the possibility of surprises. By being available, you help to decrease the anxiety brought on by uncertainty and help people to function reasonably well despite their fears.

3. Find meaningful work for everyone you can.

   Even in the worst of times, when people are engaged in challenging work, their outlook improves significantly. I have observed clients diving into their work and subsequently contribute at a significant level despite organizational turmoil. Keep in mind that the greatest indignity for ambitious, hard working people is to sit around without work that makes a difference.

4. Focus on professional development.

   Difficult economic times often provide the motivation for self-assessment. By providing guidance to employees, you can give them hope for the future. Community colleges are a cost effective and convenient resources worth exploring. Have people check out the one nearest your facility. Sometimes one course can make a significant difference in helping people move into a more satisfying job.

I can hear some people questioning why a manager would put such an effort into helping his or her people. The intrinsic satisfaction alone that comes from coaching in tough times is often sufficient justification for many managers. The pragmatist knows that when all is said and done, he or she will have left behind a wonderful legacy and relationships that will last a lifetime. Even if people scatter to the four corners of the world, the manager will have allies who hopefully will reach out to him or her in their time of need.

Recommended Reading:
The Survivor Personality by Al Siebert is published by the Berkley Publishing Company. Dr. Siebert has devoted his career to studying survivors of life's difficulties. It is a wonderful book for those who want to learn more about the topics discussed in this month's newsletter. The book is available in paperback from Amazon.com.

Copyright 2006, Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided you let me know where it is being printed, the copyright is not removed, and the following text accompanies each article:

"Mark Campbell partners with organizations for leadership development. For a complimentary subscription to his newsletter, "Management Challenges," go to www.mjcampbellassoc.com."

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