Behavioral coaching, sometimes called "Behavioural coaching training", “Behavioral Based Coaching,” or “Business Coaching” is increasingly seen as an important component of the success of an organization. Coaching plays a vital role in helping change an individual's behavior to ensure more effective action and greater business success.

Behavior coaches clarify employee goals and reinforce employee accountability. Coaching to behavior can also help employees learn to reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.

Companies that have used behavior coaching to develop a “coaching culture” report that:

1. Behavioral coaching services result in reduced staff turnover.

2. Behavior coaches can create increased productivity in employees.

3. Behavior coaching creates greater satisfaction at work.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine your goals for coaching behavior

Establish a direction for Behavioral coaching services that will help you get the most out of the experience. Do you want to improve sales and marketing strategies, break unhealthy behavior and/or discover new problem solving skills? If you don't know what your goals are, your first few behavioral coaching sessions will focus on setting goals.

I recommend: If you need help with goal setting, TopAchievement has a page detailing a 7 step process for setting goals. You can also listen to this podcast on planning from Not So Basic Training. Executive Development Associates offers a 3 1/2 day Strategic Executive Development Workshop designed to link systems and programs to your business strategy.

Decide on your preferred coaching method

Business coaching doesn't always have to be in person; coaching by alternative methods, such as telephone and email, can also produce good results. Decide on which method you prefer, and ask potential Behavioral Coaches which methods are offered.

I recommend: Changing The Focus, LLC offers business coaching information via a free weekly e-newsletter. Traditionalists who prefer face to face coaching can find assistance at Morningstar Associates, L.L.C.

Choose your behavior coach

A behavior coach is your partner throughout your personal and professional development. A good fit between you and your behavioral coach is essential. Interview any coach you're considering to learn about their coaching training and experience. Ask whether your prospective Behavioral Coach offers free sessions to allow you to experience coaching first hand.

I recommend: Complimentary coaching sessions are offered by Advantage Coaching & Training, Inc. and Miami Life Coach. The free sessions range from 20 to 30 minutes in length.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In some organizations, management still perceives coaching initiatives to be remedial in nature, rather than a developmental process.
• •  Because behavior coaching for business is still in the early stages of its development, realize that there is no agreed-upon, all-embracing model of the coaching process and practice.
  The official source for Behavioral Coaching is the Behavioral Coaching page at Business.com