AI as a Tool for Enhancing Managerial Coaching Skills
AI-Powered Coaching: A New Approach to Reducing Manager Stress
Under the increasing pressure to develop and coach their subordinates, managers face an overwhelming workload. According to recent reports, employees are demanding real-time feedback, intensifying the demands on managers already burdened with their regular duties.
While coaching plays a pivotal role in improving employee performance, job satisfaction, and organizational success, it has led to higher levels of stress and anxiety among managers. However, a potential solution to this dilemma could be found in the integration of AI tools.
Although AI-based coaching tools are not yet commonplace, they are gradually making their way into certain organizations. For instance, Eleos Health uses an AI platform to record and analyze therapist-patient conversations, identifying relevant techniques and summarizing key points. Similarly, Gong has developed an AI platform for sales teams, capturing and analyzing sales rep discussions with prospects. These recordings serve as valuable training tools, particularly for new employees.
However, implementing AI-assisted coaching systems comes with potential challenges. Companies need to consider the readiness of employees to adapt to such a system and evaluate the emotional aspects involved in performance evaluation and improvement. Introducing AI could amplify anxiety, and some employees might be resistant to being evaluated by a program instead of a human. Bridging this gap requires a careful approach to ensure psychological safety, employee engagement, and data privacy.
To facilitate a successful transition, managers should:
- Establish psychological safety and trust by clarifying the purpose and methodology of AI evaluation.
- Engage employees in the planning and implementation process.
- Grant employees control over their data and participation in AI-assisted evaluation to foster transparency and security.
- Customize AI coaching results to meet the unique requirements of individual employees.
- Train managers on the technical aspects of AI tools and learning how to interpret the generated data sensitively, conveying it effectively to employees.
Upskilling managers is essential, as AI tools aim to simplify the coaching burden while providing customized, high-quality coaching solutions. When utilized effectively, AI technology has the potential to enhance the human experience for both managers and employees, fostering a better, more supportive work environment.
Sources:- Katherine C. Kellogg and Constance Noonan Hadley, "How AI Can Help Stressed-Out Managers Be Better Coaches," HBR, June 21, 2023.
- Various sources, "Best Practices for AI-Assisted Coaching Implementation," Enrichment Data.
- Incorporating remote work practices, managers could leverage AI-powered coaching tools to offer coaching sessions from a distance, alleviating the stress of face-to-face interactions.
- As AI technology advances, it holds significant potential for enhancing business operations, especially in finance, where artificial intelligence can predict market trends and provide strategic insights to improve decision-making.
- Leadership is crucial in embracing AI-based coaching systems, as it involves inspiring employees to accept and adapt to changes in technology and fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable with AI assessment tools.
