Mr. Scott was on the sales floor and immediately made his way over to greet me. “Let’s go in my office,” he smiled warmly. “I trust your interviews went well?”
“Thank you for this opportunity,” I stated. “I am enthused and energized by this experience. I found each manager professional and respectful. They each carried themselves well, and seemed well grounded and concerned for their employees. What impressed me the most was the focus on enhancing the best environment possible for the employees. I can see that each manager truly believes that focusing on employees’ needs and development will ultimately create a successful business. They genuinely care, take a personal interest, and do the things necessary to support, train, and grow each individual employee. I must say, Mr. Scott, I am impressed. In fact, I would say I am amazed.”
“Amazed?” Mr. Scott said. “Isn’t that what coaches do?”
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Everything you described, as well as everything that you witnessed and experienced, is what successful coaches do. The problem with the business environment today is they believe a manager in business is different than a coach. To create our ultimate desired effect, a successful business, we realize the best cause is being a coach. Once again, this is defined by cause and effect.”
“I believe it certainly works,” I agreed. “If you don’t mind, can I ask you some wrap-up questions?”
“Absolutely. I ask for your feedback also. This exercise can be beneficial to both of us.”
“Wonderful. When and how did you come up with your philosophy about managers being coaches?” I asked.
“It grew over time with the realization of cause and effect. Whether we truly know it or not, we break things down in our head constantly to determine their causes. Over the years I worked for several different managers of different philosophies. When I determined where I had more success, enjoyed my job, was challenged to learn, experienced growth, and obtained goals, it was always for the managers who took an interest and coached. Over time, as I managed, I have witnessed that as I coach employees, I have better consistent effects. Through the process I would see that coaching can change behavior to what is desired. Desired behavior brings desired results. Coaching legend Tom Landry once stated, ‘A good coach will make players do what they normally would not do so that they would become what they always wanted to be.'”
“Tom Landry certainly got the most out of his players and for so many years,” I agreed.
“Yes, Landry realized each player’s dream was to be successful at their position, contribute to the team, and be a part of the team’s ultimate success. He also knew that most individuals will have to change behaviors to obtain that success. Human nature has pride and ego, so we tend to fight behavior change. Many times we think we know better. Tom Landry used all the methods of coaching to create desired behaviors to help make his players become what they always wanted to be.”
“I have seen some sports teams who have individuals who like to draw attention to themselves. In those cases, it is all about them, yet some of those teams have had success. What do you say about that?” I asked.
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