Managers — Its time to become Coaches
Fitbots CEO in conversation with Foundr, Betterworks Asia to understand their approach towards OKRs ad how managers play a very critical role in shaping the team’s alignment and focus.
It’s becoming increasingly certain that organizations are placing thrust on building a goal-driven culture using frameworks like OKR. (New to OKR? Read our E-book on OKRs and Implementing an OKR framework.)
Fitbots had the pleasure of talking to Thijs Van Loon, Founder Betterworks Asia. During our Coffee Conversation, Thijs shared with us some thoughts on how managers can become better coaches and move away from directing and leading to allowing more accountability & ownership amongst teams. Here’s a glimpse of it for you.
- Being a great listener is very critical
Be a patient listener and encourage members to share their understanding of the Organizational or Business group objectives. Ask open-ended questions to help them discover business metrics in their own abilities. Let them build the motivation around what they want to do and not being told about how they should do something. In short, ask them “What questions & not Why questions.” to explore how they make progress towards outcomes
2. Build Accountability
A great manager enables their team members to take accountability for their tasks at their own pace. Make sure that every team member picks up their work and also develops a sense of being responsible themselves for their tasks. Start slow, take the time and delegate well. Let them look up to you as the anchors and only come to you when they need to course correct
3. Move Away from giving instructions
More often than not, managers tend to handhold and give instructions to team members on how to progress with tasks. This is only counterproductive to the team’s productivity and confidence. This is a common trait in managers across many geographies. Instead of directing teams, build confidence levels, let them make the decisions and make them feel in control of their tasks. Be the North Star to your team and unleash their potential.
“ A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are” — Ara Parasheghian.
Want to learn more on implementing an OKR culture focusing on the manager’s role? Contact us today to learn more
