by Michael Perini, ABC
perini & associates
With the Winter Olympics around the corner and the Super Bowl, the first race at Daytona and the Pro Bowl just passed it seemed like a great time to talk about coaching!
I’m sure you will have a comment or two about the coaching you will see on the snowy mountaintops in Canada.
In the public relations field there is also coaching going on. Before the “game.†During the game and very importantly, after the game — to be ready for the next activity.
The coaching is often between client and the public relations expert. Also, between the PR person and the customer and/or issue owner.
Here are 3 PR tips that I integrate when coaching. Please add a comment as this list is not all-inclusive.
1. Listen, Listen, Listen! I know it is hard to do as some folks can ramble….HA, not you, right! I worked for a boss once who told me that it would be useful if I listened, all the way to the end, before commenting. He said, “Often you will learn something just before the person finishes a thought.†That was sound advice. When talking with clients I know you might want to interrupt as you believe you know where they are going and what you need to guide them. My advice: just hang in there as it will be worth your while.
2. Encourage. Here is a brief list:
• A simple smile
• Or, words of “Thank you!â€
• A pat on the back
Easy to write yet hard for some folks to accomplish. I try to encourage my clients to be honest, and open with me. When we are successful then I provide a positive comment.
3. Be inclusive. Being involved in a project, issue or activity from start to end I believe is better than being called into the game in the 3rd quarter. So much has transpired thus making it more difficult to achieve a goal.
So as you watch the Winter Olympics look closely at the coaching. You will find some useful tips on how to deal with people.