Nondirective coaching

Directive coaching means giving directions or orders without considering the other person’s point of view. Nondirective coaching is more like problem-solving, where input from the person being coached is very important.

The coach of a sports team generally uses directive coaching. During a game, coaches give orders.

Giving orders, the directive approach, works well with athletes and young children, but it doesn’t work well with co-workers.

Use non-directive coaching with co-workers. Your aim is to avoid giving orders. The coach should provide feedback of specific behaviors you observe. The other person can think about what you said. Don’t pressure him or her to change. Your co-workers are accountable to themselves. They’ll have to direct themselves to change their behavior.