Encourage & Empower

We're Stronger Together

Let's face it we've all vented at some point in our lives. If you are a manager your middle name is probably "Sounding Board".  You may even find yourself getting drawn into the situation. Before you go down that road again, here are a few suggestions.

#1 Put your coaches hat on and don't get drawn into the picture. Imagine there is a circle around the person you are talking with and you are standing just outside in a neutral space where you can see the situation from all view points.

#2 Listen intently, honor the other person with your full and undivided attention avoiding distractions from texts, emails, phone calls, etc.

#3 Avoid advice or taking over the challenge. You want to encourage growth, not add more monkeys on your back.

#4 Remember what you focus on you get more of, so if you enjoy negative spin swirling around you pulling everyone down, keep them talking. If you want a solution change the focus towards what you want. The best way to find a solution is to ask meaningful questions. Once you've listened and allowed the person to vent, ask a question like:

• Given all the challenges . . . What might be a possible solution?
• Given that . . . how do you think you should proceed?
• Considering all that . . . What might work? or What can you do? What resources are available?

People want to be heard more than they want you to solve their problems. They want to know you have their back and when you stop to listen and ask questions like the ones above you are providing encouragement and empowering them to find their own best solution.

The more you wear your coaches hat the more comfortable it will become. What are your favorite questions?


Karen Wise
Life & Leadership Coach