3 Coaching Tips to Engage and Improve Your Team’s Performance

December 27, 2022

There are many different types of leadership, however one thing that all good leaders have in common is their ability to influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. So, how do you effectively motivate others to achieve something new or improve performance? 

This year, as part of the 2022-23 Whistler Experience® Program’s Skills Development Training Courses, The Whistler Chamber presents Performance Management for New Leaders. Created by Caroline Bagnall, Founder of Connect Hospitality Strategies, this online, on-demand Management 101 course delves into keys areas of performance management so you can move the dial on your success as a manager or supervisor.

To help you on your skills development journey, Caroline shares three tips from the course to engage and improve your team’s performance with coaching and feedback. 

#1. Remember, feedback is not criticism

At its core, feedback is sharing observations and insights so that our co-workers, trainees and direct reports can improve. Consider the concept that everyone needs a coach; professional tennis players, professional basketball players, professional gymnasts, so, why not business professionals? By managing employee performance and providing feedback, our staff will have the tools they need to get better in their role and thrive.

#2. Give brain-friendly feedback

When we feel threatened, we shut down, and that’s what happens when we’re given feedback in an ineffective way. Start by creating “buy in” by asking for a micro-yes. “Do you have 5 minutes to talk about how your barista training is going?”. Try to focus on areas of success (strengths) and then what they need to refocus on (recommendations to improve) rather than just what they are doing wrong. Also, think about the words you use and make it positive. For example, approaching the situation with ‘How I think your report could be even better is…’ opposed to ‘This section of your report was wrong’.

#3. Avoid blur words 

Don’t talk in generalizations. Be specific and give data about exactly what should change. Instead of saying, “You seem disorganized and stressed lately”, try “I’ve noticed that you are leaving the milk out on the counter while you work.”

Whether you are a new supervisor, recently promoted to a new position or you’ve been a manager for a while now, The Whistler Experience® program’s online, on-demand skills training courses will teach you how to plan for and deliver world class service while improving the profitability of your business operations.

Learn how you can you transition to the next stage in your career with Management 101: Performance Management for New leaders.

The Whistler Chamber, with presenting partners Whistler Blackcomb and Gibbons Whistler is proud to showcase four different skills training courses that serve to provide effective and affordable professional development opportunities to workers throughout our resort town.