Give more than one option!

I want to share with you a simple technique on how to become more coach-like when someone approaches you with a request for advice.

'Coach-like' means that the coachee stays in the driver's seat. They make the decisions. They grow and learn.

Here's what we often do: we give our single best piece of advice.

Example:

Question: "What's your advice on managing time and priorities better?"

Answer: "Well, I think time-boxing is very good. Have you tried it?"

This likely leads to the coachee evaluating the given answer. If there is a power distance (i.e. the answer was given by the Manager), the receiver might find it hard to disagree openly.

Here's an alternative: share multiple options (and don't disclose your preference!)

Answer: "Well, I can think of multiple options. All of them have their pros and cons. There's the urgency/importance matrix, for example. Then I know about the 1-3-5 method. There's also timeboxing. But there are likely many more. Which one would you like to explore?"

This approach likely leads to the coachee deciding among the given answers. It puts them firmly in the driver's seat on how the conversation is unfolding. And if you keep your preference to yourself, it ensures it switches on their thinking.

Even better: this offers a way for the coachee to disagree with a shared solution *without* offending authority. In an Asian context: it maintains face for both parties. Brilliant!

Summary:

When asked for advice, consider giving multiple options and don't disclose your preference unless it's necessary. Invite the other party to choose, so they stay in the driver's seat and maintain their decision-making. It's one of the simplest ways to become more coach-like, even in a scenario where we give lots of answers, options, and advice!

Try it out this week! It works:)