Distance Coaching is more relevant than ever.
How do you connect with your people on a personal level, keeping them motivated and focussed on their priorities in challenging times like we are now experiencing?
A good way to start is differentiating your approach based on each person’s typical preferences. A tool often used to describe these differences is DISC – with the red, blue, green and yellow personality profiles. And although there are pro’s and con’s connected to categorizing individuals in 4 simplified behavioral categories, it can be helpful to think about differentiating your coaching approach based on different personal needs.
With my personal Red and Yellow preferences I tend to struggle with Green and Blue profiles in times of stress. Green and Blue tend to drain my energy in times of stress when I feel the need to keep my energy at a high level, keeping a positive spirit. I therefore detect a tendency to avoid contacting Green and Blue when I am having a tough time.
Over the years I have learned that this is not a good habit – actually I should have the opposite reaction and listen to what I do not want to hear, meet with whom I do not want to see and do what I push out most..
Not only to my personal benefit but as well to the benefit of my team. When Green gets too isolated they lose focus and connection. Green thrives on social contacts and making other people happy of which they are deprived now.. I need to reach out to Green every day – preferably morning and afternoon – have a chat, interact on a personal level and listen to what they struggle with, help them prioritize.
When Blue gets too isolated frustration kicks in and translates into skepticism and endless lists with why things are impossible. I need to listen to Blue and look carefully through their detailed lists as there will be risks indicated that I overlooked and may jeopardize my action oriented plans. This recognition and attention to their work is very important to the Blue profile although they will not easily show this due to their silent nature – in return I help Blue to stay focussed and not dwell in details and negative thoughts by giving direction and counter arguments.
Red and Yellow boost my energy as we think alike! Still it is important to coach preventing they embark on flying solo or jump into action without careful consideration of possibly impacting others – Mind to keep conversations brief with Yellow as it will otherwise eat into your schedule!
If you want to win as an organization you need to let your people play the game: Engage, Empower, Perform, Enjoy together in order to establish best results and performance.
Marja van Soest Activates People and Business partnering with her clients as Executive Consultant, Master Trainer and Coach in Sales, Service and Leadership. Parallel to her business career Marja is a sports trainer specializing in In and Outdoor Cycling. Combining her passion for sports, groups, individual and organizational performance Marja developed the 4 Motivation Keys Activation Model: Engage, Empower, Perform, Enjoy. Using this model empowering leaders to build a culture of Trust is her inspiration for both business and sports practices.
