Tips for cultivating a spirit of partnership

• During coaching conversations or sessions, set your direct report at ease. Don't let the person feel that he or she is being scrutinized.
• Ask the employee, "How do you think we are doing as a unit?" You'll convey the important message that everyone has a part to play in the coaching process.
• Review the purpose of the coaching process and its positive benefits for both parties. This will psychologically prepare you and the employee for the process. It will also act as a "warm-up" for useful dialogue.
• Do whatever you can to avoid interruptions by phone calls and other intrusions. Taking a phone call during a coaching discussion sends the employee a nonverbal signal that the call has a higher priority, which is exactly the wrong signal.