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Ciao,
I've been following a persona coaching program since janaury.

My coach is introducing me to some tecniques, used by coaches themself, based on asking questions (to drive or to make people more specific).

In this sense (asking those questions) I'm starting 'coaching' everybody else.

As I good IT guy :), I'm an High D, and now I'm in trouble: do I have to be directive, plain, proactive or do I have to keep on asking question trying my counterpart reach (maybe) the right goal?

I hope my english is good enough to let you get the question.

PierG

Mark's picture
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PierG-

Well, I think we've talked about this before, and I still have issues with your coach suggesting you use his techniques to help your team. [There are ALL KINDS of things I do as a consultant that have NO PLACE in the boss role.]

That said, I think the answer is NO, you don't have to keep asking questions if you think you've asked enough. You're not responsible to do things a certain way, coach or not. You're responsible for results, which usually have time lines associated with them. If it's not happening fast enough, more questions may not be the answer.

I am worried though, about two things. First, that maybe your coach hasn't taught you the right questions, or hasn't observed you enough to suggest how you can improve.

Secondly, it IS possible that someone less driven than you (a non D) would be willing to take longer than you are. It MAY be that your "D-ness" is causing you to "pull the trigger" faster than what is right.

And there is NO WAY I can tell that from here, unless you can give me a detailed specific example.

Why not just use the coaching model we have? It's about THEM improving THEIR performance, not about asking questions.

[I don't mean to negative to your coach. I'm sure he/she is a professional and very helpful. It's possible I am wrong and struggling over such a distance and not knowing your org.]

Keep us posted!

Mark

PierG's picture

Well, it's probably me overreacting to his teachings :D

THe idea of using questions to help my counterpart be more specific and find solutions OR 'convince' him of an idea, it's fashinating!

PierG

Mark's picture
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PierG-

Glad you're getting a lot out of the "questions" approach. It is an often used technique to help directs figure things out for themselves - it keeps many bosses (yes, many High D's) from simply TELLING.

Keep us posted!

Mark