If you are a football fan you know of Vince Lombardi - arguably the greatest football coach of all time. He established the Green Bay Packers as the most feared team during the 1960s, and helped turnaround the Washington Redskins program late in that decade. Lombardi believed in doing simple things with consistent excellence and his practices were concise and intense. Lombardi’s players were wholeheartedly devoted to him, and his emphasis on hard work and dedication endeared him to millions.
One of the most important functions of a coach is to help athletes improve their skills in a wide range of tasks. A sports coach isn’t afraid to tell it like it is – but they will also listen and provide guidance as they see fit. In a way, the qualities of successful sports coaches are somewhat similar to business coaches for 360 Feedback. (Minus the yelling and screaming at players).
360 feedback involves collecting perceptions about a person’s behavior from those around them.The opinions are voiced anonymously, which encourages a high level of honesty. At times, the feedback can bring surprising results for the recipient and cause emotional responses.This is when a coach comes into play.
Just like a sports team needs a coach with a winning game plan to help lead them to victory, business coaching is an important part of any 360 Feedbackprogram. 360 feedback without one-on-one coaching or group facilitation is not as successful, especially for first time recipients. The truth is that sometimes people are blind to obstacles or challenges that are standing in their way. A coach can help recipients guide through the 360 process to help identify strengths and weaknesses, and turn potential negatives into positives.
When you collaborate with a certified coach it is in a completely confidential manner, unencumbered by any organizational politics and/or interpersonal dynamics. Certified coaches provide proper guidance on feedback interpretation, goal alignment, and individual planning.
Coaches help the recipient understand the context of the 360 Feedback results. However, it is up to the recipient to change their own behaviors and become a new, improved manager. As Vince Lombardi would say, “Having the capacity to lead is not enough. The leader must be willing to use it.”
Sources: VinceLombardi.com, Wikipedia
