BACK TO

THE COACH IN ACTION - SUPPORTING THE TEAM

1. The team members need to understand their job and what is expected in the way of team activity.

This is accomplished by developing with the employee their job responsibilities and its basic functions. He should be involved with setting his standards of achievement and goals. The coach must ensure that the expectations are reasonable but should not dictate the requirements.

2. The team members need to understand how teams operate, make decisions, and their team's particular assignment.

The coach does this by explaining the four stages of team growth: Apprehension, Dissatisfaction, Resolution, and Production. How to make decisions should be taught. They must what their limit of authority are and exactly what they are to do (without outside goal setting).

3. Teams need to understand that conflict is a natural outcome of the team work process and how to deal with it.

This is done by teaching the members about the different type of conflicts they are likely to encounter and how to overcome them. They need to be taught how to use conflict in a positive manner and to find "win/win" solutions.

4. Team members must have an opportunity to take part in all of the team processes.

The coach makes this possible by encouraging the team to have a positive attitude and to give everyone a chance to take part. He should encourage the team to delegate actions to all members of the team. He should also ensure that the team understands that he knows occasional mistakes are a natural process and is part of the price of the team members gaining experience and learning to manage.

5. Team members must receive feedback on their actions.

The coach should make sure that each individual team member is giving feedback . That should be both on positives and negatives, but always in a positive manner. (REMEMBER a manager says "You've got to do it!" A coach says, "Come on! You can do it!").

6. Teams and team members must receive help when needed.

The coach must be prepared to provide assistance when critical problems arise. He must make decisions the are beyond the team's authority. He must interact with other work groups when the team is not getting the cooperation that it needs.

7. Team members must be recognized and rewarded based on their performance.

A coach expresses appreciation and provides recognition at the appropriate time. He recommends or does not recommend promotions and other assignments based on performance.

8. Teams must have the proper environment which encourages self-development.

The coach creates this climate by maintaining an open, honest relationship with his team members. He encourages team member input and keeps them informed on their progress. He corrects their mistakes but does so in a manner that rewards effort and encourages activity. When needed, the coach stands up for his team and its members when needed in interaction with others.