Episode Summary
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver explains how leaders can discern when to be supportive and when to be directive in their coaching. He clarifies that directive coaching involves teaching, telling, and guiding, while supportive coaching is more collaborative. The key is to evaluate what the individual is trying to accomplish and how well they are progressing. If they are doing well, err on the side of supportive coaching. However, if they are struggling, failing, or missing deadlines, it’s time to become more directive, providing specific guidance and stepping in to “save” them if they’re “drowning.” Mike likens this approach to a dimmer switch, adjusting the level of directness based on the individual’s need for support or intervention.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate what an individual is trying to accomplish and their progress to determine whether to be supportive or directive.
- Be supportive when a person is performing well and making progress.
- Be more directive (teaching, telling, guiding) when a person is struggling, failing, or not meeting expectations.
- Adjust your coaching approach based on the individual’s specific needs, like a dimmer switch, not an on/off switch.
Notable Quotes
- “If they’re doing well and making progress, you err on the side of supportive.”
- “If they’re starting to fail… then what you want to do is create a space where you are working harder and harder at teaching and telling and directing.”
- “If the person’s drowning, they don’t need you to collaborate with them. They need you to save them.”
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