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Coaching can be facilitated through the strategic planning process, with
each individual that is being coached preparing a personal strategic plan
that is nested within the strategic plan for the organization. For coaching to
be effective, it requires identifying and understanding the capabilities and

competencies of each employee, and tying these to their personal and
career aspirations. Leader coaches help employees to establish long-term
development goals and help them conceptualize a plan for attaining them.
They make agreements with their employees about their role and
responsibilities in enacting their development plans, and they give the
instruction and feedback necessary to foster success. Although this sounds

rather simple, the trick is to actually follow through in the middle of the
day-to-day hectic activity that is typical of what most organizational
leaders experience.
265

Another plus to coaching is that it helps people to know what is expected

of them and how their work fits into the organizational vision, mission,
and its strategies. Building the capability of employees consistent with the
organization’s mission and vision fosters continued organizational success
as employees are more clear on and committed to their particular areas of
responsibility. This commitment is a result of coaching’s implicit message,
which is, “I believe in you, I’m investing in you, and I expect your best
efforts.” Employees very often rise to that challenge.
266

Coaching leaders are by definition good at delegating; they give employees

challenging assignments, even if that means the tasks might not be
accomplished quickly. In other words, these leaders are willing to put up
with short-term failure if it furthers long-term learning.
267

Ken Blanchard has identified five different types of coaching in the
organization: 268
• Performance coaching – used when individuals need help
returning their performance to acceptable standards. This is

265 Susan Wright, “The Leader as Coach,” http://www.banffcentre.ca/leadership/library/pdf/coach_22-
24.pdf.
266 Daniel Goleman: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130821093435-117825785-don-t-write-
off-the-coaching-leadership-style.
267 Daniel Goleman: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130821093435-117825785-don-t-write-
off-the-coaching-leadership-style.
268
Ken Blanchard, Leading at a Higher Level, Upper Saddle River NJ: FT Press, 2010, pp. 150-163.
David Kolzow 261