What Do They REALLY Want?

When we first start a conversation with our team member, they may say they want to solve a certain problem. But if we allow them the ability to think things through, sometimes the original problem is not the REAL problem. In other words, what they say they want is not what they REALLY want. This is a powerful realization, and can mean the difference between having a conversation which results in no action because the root problem has not been addressed, versus one that allows forward movement. This is a common occurence in coaching, and an important thing to catch. If when you are coaching you detect what your coachee or team member said in the beginning is not what they really want, you can ask to change the focus of the session, and make it a lot more productive. In this episode I provide some examples of what this looks like, how to detect it and what to do when you do. Resources mentioned: The Coach Approach Leadership Style  The Power and Impact of Coaching in the Humanitarian and Development Sector - Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Weeks