The coaching framework used by ALAust includes two primary elements:
- The ‘needs-based’ approach to identifying the responsibilities of a leader, and
- The ACL paradigm for guiding actions taken by the leader in meeting those responsibilities.
The experience in applying the Adair model must be accumulated. Coaches can assist the developing manager accelerate that process of accumulation.
Issues will arise:
- Are certain matters true ‘needs’ or only selfish ‘wants’?
- Which matters are the causes of problems, and which are only the symptoms of these problems?
- What about when the needs are in conflict?
- How does the tempo of operations affect the leader’s responsibilities?
Methods employed can be helpful or can be counter-productive:
- How can observations of needs be made without giving the appearance of micro-managing?
- We can not do everything at once. How can the ‘needs’ that are identified be prioritized?
- What if the problem is originating from higher up in the organization?
Expectations from any leadership initiative should be well grounded:
- How long will it take to change the culture or to turn things around? What are the factors?
- Where are we now in the process that has been undertaken? How can you tell?
- What happens when the leader has a self-directed team?
Coaches can advise while the manager is free to decide, be responsible and ‘give the lead’. |
