The best PDs invest time in coaching talent in relatively short, frequent, non-confrontational meetings. Coaching sessions should combine praise for positive behavior with advice to strengthen skills. It shouldn’t be like going into combat. Here are 7 talent coaching skills every programmer should work to master.
The Most Important Talent Coaching Skills
Effective coaching is not about fitting talent into a mold that fits a predetermined image. It should be a partnership to turn talented people into high-performing superstars.
Effective talent coaching is up to the manager, not talent. Here are the skills managers need to be effective:
Show Respect – Like Phil Jackson
Everything builds on this principle. Without respect, the relationship will not work. Phil Jackson had an honest, open rapport with superstar basketball players like Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) and Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers). The result is some of the greatest championships in NBA history.
Phil knew he couldn’t perform to Michael’s level on the court, though he was a pretty good player for the New York Knicks in the 60s and 70s. Instead, he got to know each individual before offering feedback. Jackson learned his strength came from understanding his players:
The more I tried to exert power directly, the less powerful I became.
This establishes trust as well as a safe and creative environment.
