Coaching & Employee Development Flashcards

What is the PRIMARY purpose of asking reflective questions during a coaching session?

Answer: To help the employee gain self-awareness and discover their own solutions

Reflective questions prompt self-examination, which leads to deeper understanding and more durable behavioral change than being told what to do.

A team leader should document coaching conversations PRIMARILY to:

Answer: Track progress, commitments, and follow-up actions agreed upon

Documentation ensures accountability for agreed actions and provides a reference point for measuring development progress over time.

When an employee plateaus in their development despite coaching efforts, the BEST next step is to:

Answer: Reassess the development goals and coaching approach collaboratively

Plateaus often signal that goals or methods need adjustment, not that the employee cannot grow further.

Which outcome BEST indicates that a coaching initiative has been successful?

Answer: The employee demonstrates sustained behavior change on the job

Sustained on-the-job behavior change is the ultimate measure of coaching effectiveness, as it reflects true skill transfer.

A team leader is coaching an employee from a different cultural background. The MOST important adaptation is to:

Answer: Adjust communication style and be aware of cultural norms around feedback and authority

Cultural competence in coaching means recognizing that norms around directness, hierarchy, and feedback vary and adapting accordingly.

An employee's development plan should be reviewed and updated:

Answer: Regularly throughout the year as goals are met or circumstances change

Regular reviews ensure the plan remains relevant as the employee grows and organizational priorities evolve.

A team leader who acts as a 'sponsor' rather than just a coach for an employee's development will:

Answer: Actively advocate for the employee's visibility and advancement opportunities

Sponsorship extends beyond coaching by using the leader's influence and network to create concrete opportunities for the employee's career progression.