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Coaching Inexpensively
Using Video and Audio Tapes for CoachingAn excellent movie that has many illustrations of how teams can function under difficult situations is Apollo 13. It is based on the actual events and was faithfully recreated. One of the most memorable scenes, when I've asked my audiences, is the scene where the people in Houston are brought together and a bunch of parts are thrown on the table. They are told that they have to figure out a way to filter the air on board Apollo 13. If you saw the movie you probably remember it. Another memorable moment was when Ed Harris, playing the role of the flight manager, said, "Failure is not an option." Another learning point is where they had a backup astronaut on earth working to find ways to lower the power consumption. (How many times do we go into a situation without a backup plan?)
You may have another favorite memorable moment or one that is better suited to the learning point you would like to make with your team. In any case, the cost benefit with this approach is extremely high.
You can also use the same approach with audio tapes in team situations, choosing a part of the tape to listen to and then debriefing it with your team.
To order Apollo 13, click here. Here is another inspirational movie. Check back with us for further updates!
How to Get Started Video and audio tapes are an inexpensive, convenient and effective way to improve skills. Many of us listen to audio tapes in the car or while exercising or doing other activities. Tapes can turn time that would otherwise be wasted into learning time. Video tapes provide the visual cues that enhance the learning experience.
Video and audio tapes can also be used in coaching sessions to help others develop their skills. These coaching sessions can be done either with an individual or with a group. If you're a coach for a business team, here's some ideas on how to get started.
One of the things that I often suggest in my seminars is that you not only consider using tapes that have been developed for training purposes, but also movies produced by Hollywood. An example, Apollo 13, is given above. Be sure to check back with us from time to time as we will update this section of our website with additional suggestions. If you have a favorite movie that you've used in coaching situations, please let us know.
1) Identify the skill(s) that need to be developed for the individual or the team. Be as precise as possible in doing this. For example, let's say you want to improve creative team problem-solving.
2) There are many ways to improve problem-solving skills. Seminars, role plays and one-on-one instruction are some examples. All should be considered, but if you decide to use an audio or video tapes as a part of the training, preview the tape yourself first to make sure it is appropriate for your team.
3) Rather than showing the entire tape, select a portion of the tape that illustrates the point you would like to make. If you can, select a portion that is about 5-10 minutes. 5-10 minutes provides a short attention-keeping time period.
4) If you're working with a team, prepare several questions before you show the tape. Divide the questions among the team members. If you have a larger team, you can also have two or three team members with the same question. Ask each person or sub team to watch the video and answer the question and be prepared to give a readout to the rest of the team. For example, one question might be, "How does what you saw here relate to the types of situations we have?" Or, "How can we apply what we saw to what we do?" If you get a sarcastic or joking comment ("We're always in a crisis."), either laugh along or ignore it. The discussion that follows from each person or sub-team's readout will be an insightful part of the learning experience.
The Benefits The benefits of this approach are threefold:
1) You can do this training at any convenient time, such as when you normally have your meetings scheduled. It's also quick.
2) It is inexpensive. For the investment in a tape, you get a very low cost per person. People don't have to travel more than they normally would.
3) It gets your team involved and looking for specific applications to your situations, which makes it practical and effective.
These are ideal learning parameters. Start taking advantage of them with the recommended movie.
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