Reflection: Coaching versus managing

Question 1

Now that you know more about coaching and managing teams, you can put that knowledge into practice.

Consider the following scenario: Imagine that a project manager oversees the development of a new financial wellness app. The project team includes both seasoned and less experienced members. Senior team members are impatient with their junior colleagues, leading to resentment and low productivity. This creates tension, and the team struggles to work together effectively.

The project manager responds to the situation by separating the two camps: senior members get more responsibilities, while junior members work together on separate features. The project manager also meets privately with the junior members to offer tips on working more efficiently. Productivity increases, but the breakdown in communication leads to the team repeating work and building the wrong features.

As a thought experiment, let's compare this scenario to the coaching and managing styles of leadership. Remember that management is about keeping teams on track by providing clear directions. Coaching is about creating motivation and showing support, encouragement, and appreciation.

Question 2

Write in sentences describing the coaching and managing techniques the project manager uses. Then discuss what they do right and where they can improve.

Question 3

Now imagine you are the project manager in this scenario. Write 3-4 sentences about how you can balance coaching and managing techniques to build a more cohesive and high-functioning team. Describe some specific things you can do to motivate, support, encourage, and appreciate your team.