Lead With Hospitality, LWH Inspiration, Planning and Coaching January 21, 2025 By Taylor Scott Guiding Your Team with Strategic Coaching for Success

Research from the Gallup organization reveals a concerning truth about employee feedback and performance management:

Only 25% of employees “strongly agree” that their manager provides meaningful feedback, and even fewer, 21%, feel their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to excel.

When leaders pause their busy schedules—calls, emails, meetings—to spend quality time with their teams, it’s truly special. This attention makes people feel valued. Even better is when leaders take the time to teach and coach their teams.

Exceptional leaders, those who lead with hospitality, plan for this interaction strategically. It starts with setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Once these goals are in place, the next step is crafting a Tactical Daily Game Plan to guide daily activities and ensure alignment with broader goals.

Your senior leaders will appreciate your ability to deliver outstanding results while also developing and coaching your team members.

Here are four keys to becoming an effective coach for your team:

1 – Clarify

Set clear expectations and SMART goals for each team member. Invest quality time in understanding their aspirations and challenges. Ask questions like, “What do you want to achieve this week, month, or year?” and “How can I support you in reaching these goals?” This approach builds trust and shows your commitment to their success.

2 – Demonstrate

Lead by example. Show your team how to execute tasks effectively. Help them create their Tactical Daily Game Plans. When your team sees you embodying the values and behaviors you expect from them, they’ll be inspired to follow your lead.

3 – Observe

Step back and let your team members execute their plans. Observe their performance with a focus on continuous improvement. Provide support and guidance where needed to help them grow and develop.

4 – Coach

Offer praise where it’s due and provide constructive feedback when necessary. Have tough conversations when action plans and goals are not being met. Your feedback, though challenging, will be appreciated in the long run as your team members grow and improve.

As Yogi Berra wisely said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.” Strategic coaching ensures your team knows where they’re going and how to get there, setting them up for success. Lead with grace and strategy, and your team will thrive.

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