Empowering your coachees is a crucial component of fostering a culture of self-reliance and accountability. When your team feels empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their challenges and solutions, leading to a high-performing and independent team. This unit will explore three essential strategies to empower your coachees: encouraging them to act independently, using affirming language to build confidence, and asking what they will do next.

One of the key ways to empower coachees is by encouraging them to act independently. Instead of spoon-feeding solutions, prompt them to think critically and make their own decisions. This approach builds their problem-solving skills and confidence. For instance, if a coachee approaches you with a problem about handling a difficult client, rather than providing a direct solution, you might ask, "What do you think the best approach would be?" This encourages them to tap into their own resourcefulness and capabilities.

• Victoria: I see you’re facing a challenging client issue. What do you think the best approach would be?
• Chris: I think perhaps focusing on their specific needs could be beneficial. Maybe I should gather more information on their pain points first.
• Victoria: That sounds like a solid plan. How do you plan to gather that information?
• Chris: I’ll start by reviewing our past interactions and then reach out for a more detailed discussion with the client.

This dialogue demonstrates how encouraging independent thinking helps Chris take control of the situation and come up with his own strategy.

Affirming language is powerful in building your coachee's confidence. When they feel validated and supported, they are more likely to trust their abilities and take initiative.

Recognize specific actions they have taken that led to success. For example, highlight their achievements by saying, "Your approach to understanding the client's needs before proposing a solution was excellent. It clearly made a positive impact on the outcome." This kind of validation not only boosts morale but also reinforces desirable behaviors.

Asking your coachees what they will do next helps them to take accountability for their actions and develop a clear action plan. This question moves the conversation toward actionable solutions, encouraging them to think about their next steps proactively.

After discussing a challenge, inquire, "What will you do next to address this issue?" This empowers them to take charge and fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership over their actions.

By mastering these techniques, you'll foster a team that is confident, self-reliant, and skilled at independently tackling challenges and finding solutions. In the upcoming role-play sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice these empowering strategies and further refine your coaching skills.