Steps for coaching

1. Prepare. Observe your potential coachee, test your hypotheses about his or her skills or performance, estimate the probability of improvement, and ask the employee to prepare for coaching.
2. Discuss skills and performance. Share your observations with the potential coachee, ask questions and listen actively to his or her responses, and explore potential causes of the performance problem or the need for new skills.
3. Coach. Obtain agreement on goals, conduct coaching sessions, customize your approach, blend inquiry and advocacy, give feedback, and create action plans.
4. Follow up. In this final step of coaching, you regularly discuss what's working well and what isn't, and make any needed adjustments in the goals or the coaching process.