If you want to accomplish more for the kingdom, one of the best things you can do is develop the talent you already have on your team.

Here is Dan Rockwell with some practical ideas on how to do that.

Originally posted by Dan Rockwell

SIX CORE SKILLS OF A LEADER WHO DEVELOPS TALENT

Leaders face turbulent situations, diverse personalities, and multiple opportunities all while developing talent.

Talent development is the best development.

Coaching-leaders passionately develop talent and deliver results at the same time.

COACHING:

Powerful conversations are the coaching-leader’s path to remarkable results.

Coaching-leaders focus on developing strengths and maximizing capacity.

SIX CORE COACHING SKILLS:

  1. Self-awareness and energy management:
    • Develop awareness of your energy state.
    • Notice the impact of your energy on others.
    • Manage energy before conversations. How are you approaching this conversation?
    • Monitor and manage energy during conversations. Watch for joy and frustration during powerful conversations.
  2. Curious questioning:
    • Invite input and expect differing opinions.
    • Seek to understand the values, assumptions, and goals of others.
    • Pursue new ways of seeing by inviting others in.
  3. Open listening:
    • Remain respectful when others speak. Reject personal assumptions and expectations.
    • Listen for aspiration. What motivates them?
    • Watch body language and monitor emotions. How do they feel and what does that say about this topic?
  4. Appreciate discovery:
    • Look for untapped talents, strengths, and capabilities.
    • Explore new options and opportunities for service.
    • Generate enthusiasm by connecting with aspiration and motivation.
  5. Catalytic feedback:
    • Talk about what’s working and what’s getting in the way.
    • Set achievable goals and celebrate small wins.
    • Reinforce positive behaviors with praise.
  6. Heightened engagement:
    • Stay focused on results while building relationships.
    • Define success together, agree on next steps, and how progress will be reviewed.
    • Review progress, identify relevant learning, and celebrate achievement.

(Adapted from, Coaching for Engagement.)

Surprising strategy:

Begin with self awareness and end with heightened engagement. Approach the six core coaching skills as a sequential trail to a mountain peak.

Which coaching skill has been most useful to you? How?

Which coaching skill is most challenging? How might leaders develop it?