Coaching (Managing) Up
Green Light: Let’s Get Going
1. Define Coaching Up and write down the definition: coaching up is giving perspective to upper-level management protecting them and giving them visibility to strengths and challenges to the business in a thoughtful and professional manner without demonstrating prejudice or judgment. 2. Most people feel coaching up is about giving an opinion or being critical of upper-level management, which can be very dangerous.
Yellow Light: Needs Attention
1. Once there is a definition of coaching, have them practice phrases on a regular basis such as the following to help them find their voice and their willingness to coach up: “Boss, I wanted your permission to share with you some perspectives of where the team may not be as ready as we may think they are, and the last thing I want to do is assume what you know or don’t know, and I wanted your permission to provide you that visibility.” This approach seems like a mouthful, but it’s filled with respect, and the person being coached should wait for an answer. This ultimately creates a safe space because upper-level management has invited the feedback.
Red Light: Needs Immediate Attention
1. Reverse the coaching by you (the coach) asking for such feedback which we call a listening chat. It sounds like the following: “What are you seeing that I need to pay more attention to, and what are some areas I need to be more aware of and what would you advise me to do?” When you ask people that set of questions, you’ve invited the feedback and created a more open door for them to feel comfortable to coach upward.
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