Good supervisors should first be good coaches

SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Thomas Menkhoff spoke about the importance of coaching at the workplace. He said that supervisors should motivate staff, just as sports coaches do, to help them reach their potential and strengthen their weaknesses, so as to benefit both the employees and the company. Professor Menkhoff said that supervisors need to build trust with employees and adopt an open and transparent culture to encourage them to speak up. Showing care and concern for employees would also boost their commitment to helping the company achieve its goals. Professor Menkhoff added that, in contrast, ignorance about the coaching process, inappropriate leadership styles and poor communication skills are barriers to becoming an effective coach.