Coaching Should Not Be a Bad Word

February 21 2022
By: Shawn M. Galloway

"Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance... Occasionally, coaching may mean an informal relationship between two people, of whom one has more experience and expertise than the other and offers advice and guidance as the latter learns."" That was the definition found on Wikipedia. I chose this reference because it is more than an academic perspective; it is crowdsourced and agreed on by masses, and with no mention of discipline, progressive or otherwise.

I am hired to coach leaders on their impact on safety performance and culture. I help them perform at their best or lead their teams to perform with excellence. It is a strategic and thought-out financial investment; I don't coach for free. Coaching is not a tool for discipline, nor should this phrase be used. Yet, many companies and consultants that advise the first step of progressive discipline is called coaching, verbal or a written note. Constant and excessive use of coaching to address disciplinary-related offensives creates shame and guilt throughout the organization and does not promote healthy self-growth to improve one's performance.

For every bit of verbal feedback you give someone on their behavior, be sure you are providing just as many and just as often for their desirable behavior. If coaching is viewed as a bad or dirty word in your organization, you are doing it wrong.

"The interesting thing about coaching is that you have to trouble the comfortable, and comfort the troubled." - Ric Charlesworth

"All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself." - Bill McCartney