Organizations are increasingly turning to coaching to get them through difficult economic times, or to maintain managerial strength and grow as a company. This test will help you reflect on your beliefs about coaching. At the end you will find answers and a scorecard.

1. What is an important first step for a coach to take with an employee?

a. Direct the actions that need to happen.
b. Encourage the client or employee to rely on the coach.
c. Ask questions that provoke thoughtful answers.
d. Listen well.
e. Both a and d.
f. Both c and d.
g. Both a and b.

2. What is the major difference between coaches and mentors?

a. The coach focuses on the job, and the mentor on the person.
b. The mentor is usually an older friend, and the coach is a boss.
c. The mentor is wealthy.
d. The mentor is often a business partner; the coach is never a partner.

3. Who needs a coach?

a. The coach.
b. Direct reports.
c. Peers
d. All of the Above.

4. What should I look for in a coach?

a. Certification.
b. Questioning and listening skills.
c. Vast experience in the area I want to excel.
d. Terseness.

5. Only the top echelons of management need coaches.

True
False

6. The reasons people give for not needing or wanting coaches include:

a. They don’t have time to commit to coaching.
b. They have read management books and know what to do on the job.
c. Coaches are meddlers.
d. All of the above

7. The need for coaching can be traced to:

a. Organizations’ increasing focus on collaborative management.
b. Brain drain as Baby Boomers retire.
c. Challenges presented by several different generations working side-by-side.
d. All of the above.

8. In the coaching relationship, who is the expert at deciding what is best for the coachee?

a. The coachee.
b. The coach.
c. The coachee’s boss.
d. The coachee’s peers and direct reports.

9. What key things does a coach do to build trust?

a. Promise the coachee a raise and/or a promotion in a year’s time.
b. Help the coachee to focus on issues.
c. Point out the bad behavior of the coachee’s peers.
d. Counsel the coachee against risk-taking.

10. Why do organizations need coaches?

a. To help improve productivity.
b. To help people navigate organizational changes.
c. To aid new managers in job transitions, often to promotions.
d. All of the above

ANSWERS:

1. f
2. a (although options may differ)
3. d
4. b
5. B
6. D
7. D
8. A
9. B
10. D

Key:

1-3 correct: Work a bit more on your attitude.
4-7 correct: Growth is your biggest need. You could use a coach!
8-10 correct: Bravo! You’re the organization’s dream!