Coaching an Uncooperative Employee

Updated on

Coaching an Uncooperative Employee

February 3, 2015

by Beverly Flaxington

PDF | Page 2

Beverly Flaxington is a practice management consultant. She answers questions from advisors facing human resource issues. To submit yours, email us here.

Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives.

Dear Bev,

Is it possible to coach someone who doesn’t really want the job they have?

Mary E.

Dear Mary,

This is one of the most succinct yet deep questions I have received. My mind is racing with all of the questions I would ask you:

  • Does the person want to be coached?
  • Have they shown any aptitude at all for the job?
  • Why are they in this role? Was it their choice or the advisory firm’s choice?
  • Do they welcome coaching and are they responsive to making changes?
  • How far apart is what they do naturally from what the job requires? What’s the leap they have to make?
  • Is coaching the only option you have or are willing to try?
  • Are there other resources for this person?
  • How long have they been in this role?
  • Are the expectations for success really clear and known to the person?

My short answer is that coaching actually does not work for everyone. Many people can make change happen and willingly do so but some are in a place where, for a variety of reasons, they are not able to make the changes needed to be successful. I encourage you to answer these questions for yourself or your firm and then take a fresh look at whether coaching is the best avenue for this employee in this situation.

PDF | Page 2

Remember, if you have a question or comment, send it to [email protected].

Contact Us | Privacy Policy

© 2015, Advisor Perspectives, Inc. All rights reserved.

Leave a Comment