In your coaching conversations, maintaining focus on the core issue is essential but often challenging. This unit will share strategies to keep discussions aligned with the main goal, effectively addressing peripheral problems, and ensuring productive outcomes.

Coaching sessions can easily diverge due to minor concerns. Acknowledge these minor issues but redirect the conversation back to the main topic. For example, if a direct report shares concerns about slow internet speed, respond with, "I understand that slow internet can be frustrating, but let's focus on the current project deadline for now. We can discuss the internet issue afterwards."

By guiding the conversation back to the primary topic, you can ensure productive and focused discussions.

Tangents are common in conversations, but it's important to reframe or summarize the main point to maintain focus. If a direct report brings up unrelated issues like team building activities at an upcoming onsite meeting, acknowledge briefly and return to the core issue. For instance, say, "Thanks for sharing. I hear that you're excited about the team building activities. Let’s get back to how we can improve your client presentations."

This approach helps in keeping the dialogue aligned with the primary goal.

At times, directly addressing and deprioritizing peripheral problems is necessary. By identifying and setting aside less relevant issues, you can keep the conversation focused on what truly matters. For example, if a direct report feels overwhelmed by extra meetings, you might say, "Let's put a pin in the meeting schedules for now and zero in on the critical challenge of meeting your sales targets."

Consider this conversation between Jake and Victoria to see these techniques in action:

• Victoria: I'm really struggling with the slow internet this week.
• Jake: I understand that slow internet can be frustrating. For now, let's focus on the project deadline. We can address the other issue afterwards. What’s the biggest challenge with your current client presentation?
• Victoria: Well, there are also all of these extra meetings we are being invited to each week.
• Jake: Thanks for sharing that. I hear the concerns, but let's get back to improving your client presentations for now. What specific part of your presentations do you find most challenging?

In this dialogue, Jake successfully keeps Victoria focused on the core issue by acknowledging minor concerns but steering back to the primary challenge. This helps ensure productive and focused discussions.

These techniques will guide you through more focused and productive coaching sessions. Stay tuned for the upcoming role-play sessions where you can practice these strategies and refine your skills.