Top Ten Things You Would Never Hear a Coach Say (or then again…!)

Just for fun and yet with some real insights to how a coach works, this list is an indication of culture and style. It will vary. From coach to client; to relationship between them. None of these are wrong as such, though some might be decidedly odd in any context...

When coaching, it's all about client, be that as a professional coach, or a line manager/business owner using coaching skills in their own business, with their own people. But it's so easy sometimes to turn tables and be client..oh, so easy...:-)

1. Let Me Tell You About My Day

   Coaching is about client and NOT about coach, usually. Sometimes a coaching experience might be worth a share if a coachee is stuck – but not usually. It’s all about them – not you. Honour that.

2. Well, You’re Just Useless Aren’t You!

   It’s bad enough to criticise them for their past – but this reinforces their own self-doubt about their future. You have even taken away their hope for goodness sakes. A coach’s role is to enable potential and open client's eyes to possibilities. Not slam it shut.

3. You Think You’ve Got Problems - Well, Let Me Tell You…

   OK, so you’ve got some issues you are facing yourself. Sorry about that. In a coaching context, you are there to support and grow client – not devalue what is truly on their mind, by filling it up with your issues. You can share them – but on your time, not theirs.

4. What I’d Do is This…

   Now this is very tempting – and sometimes (‘Stop coaching me for a minute, throw me a rope!’) it might, just might be acceptable – yes, I have done it myself! But in main, coach’s job is to extract greatness out of client and then build on their abilities and confidence going forward.

5. Sit Down and Shut Up, I’ve Got Something to Say

   No, we haven’t quite got hang of this here, have we? Coaching is about listening, more especially, really hearing and asking some challenging questions - maybe. Even listening is all some clients need – they process solutions as they talk – it’s remarkable. So how does line above help that? Not at all.
   
   

Minnesota-Based PRONTO ERP Partners With Mississauga-Based OTI

OTI, Optimization Technology Inc., located in Mississauga Canada, has been developing and implementing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems since 1984. The Canadian VARs (Value Added Reseller) customer base appreciates features built into their legacy systems which focused on individual manufacturing and distribution requirements. With advent of GUI (Graphical User Interface) it became too difficult to add some of new productivity features OTI and their clients wanted.

According to Dave Airey, VP of Sales and Marketing at OTI, “We started looking for a way to move our application to a GUI “look and feel,” but after two years of investigation it became obvious that it was not a practical goal. As an alternative we investigated upgrading our legacy application to a new product.”

OTI’s requirements for a new system revolved around their customers. After many years of custom changes, legacy system was geared to client requirements.

Airey noted, “OTI’s initial search took us to major ERP players, but none had features we required to support our loyal customers.”

Finding an ERP System with Strong Functionality: The search for a new ERP system ended when OTI was introduced to PRONTO North America (www.PRONTOerp.com). According to Airey, “We were introduced to Pronto and were immediately impressed with rich functionality. One important feature was that Pronto is fully integrated. We had engineered our legacy system to be fully integrated so this was of major importance.”

The Rationale for PRONTO ERP: o Fully integrated o User definable options to tune systems functionality o A support system to back up our customers o Functionality o GUI look and feel built using a 4 GL tool o Equipment rentals and tracking o Service maintenance o Both Manufacturing and Distribution in one package o Email & Fax capability o Multiple SQL platforms including MS SQL