Preparing Your Company For Change

Index

1. The Evolving Game
2. The Cost of Losing
3. Coach or Manager?
4. Choose the Playing Field
5. Know Your Players
6. Pick  Your Lines
7. Assign Your Captains
8. Draw Up the Game Plan
9. Play the Game

Coach or Manager? Choose One, Assign the Other

Change is a team sport and every team needs both a Manager and a Coach.

A master carpenter can create a spiral staircase with a hammer and hand saw, yet the amateur would have a hard time using the same tools to build a simple box. It takes certain skills to be a good Manager or Coach and let's be honest, not all of us have those skills. Which role is best suited to your own skill set? In most cases, as the business owner, you hold the vision for the company and are most likely the best qualified Team Manager. However, it is important that you conduct an honest self assessment to determine which role most suits your talents. Not all business owners are effective managers, but can be very good teachers and mentors to their employees.

All too often, technology systems are implemented, not only without an assigned Coach, but without any practice time.

To instill lasting change throughout your organization, you will likely need the assistance of a hands-on Coach.  The Coach sets the plays that will achieve the corporate vision, then teaches those plays to the team. How far do you think the team would advance if the coach told the players what the plays would be just before the game for the first time? How good would the team be if the Coach never called a practice?

Recognize that it is very difficult for one individual to be both Coach and Manager. Choose one, assign the other...