As an Action Learning Team Coach how would you handle the following situation:
A team member asks if you have any suggestions on how to solve the problem.
As an Action Learning Team Coach how would you handle the following situation:
A team member asks if you have any suggestions on how to solve the problem.
I would say: “Yes have: every team solves problems differently. My role as a Learning Coach is to focus on the process and not on solving the problem.” The I would continue with the process and ask: “Who has the next question?”
I wouldn’t buy into the question. Period.
‘Thank you for your question. My role is to… (as above). Now, who has the next question?
I would reply: My role as the coach is to intervene whenever I see a learning opportunity not to be involved in the content. As such, I will decline to answer the question. Now back to the team, who has the next question?
KISS… “Good question. My role as your coach is to ..(as above) …So, who has the next question?”
Just to confirm that I agree with all three questions above. I would do the same.
Cleo
I might also check to see what is happening with her or her experience of the team that is triggering the question.
I would direct this question to the team members, “Team, can any one of you share the two main responsibilities of a Coach?’ (this is based on the premise that i’ve shared with the team in the beginning before I start the session). Once someone said that, I will respond with ‘Thank you, who has the next question?’
I like Edna’s idea of putting the question about the role of coach to the team. It’s an additional opportunity for the team to remember the ground rules. That said, any of the responses above seem appropriate and effective!
I would do as many of the earlier comments have suggested – describe my role as a coach and then ask ‘Who has the next question?’.
All great answers. Nothing I can add. I particularly like asking the team what the responsibility of the coach is.
The request to the team to clarify the role of the coach is on the mark. Confirm this as a ground rule and then back to ‘who has the next question?’
My Reflection: I Do Not Offer Any Advice or Push Toward Solutions
My response to the individual:
“Thank you for your trust. I’m curious—what made you want to ask me this question?”
My question to the team:
“What does this act of asking the coach a question tell us about the current state of our team?”