Human Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Human Resources - Essay Example Key parts to this style are: (1) identifying goals to reduce conflict; (2) analyzing what actions can meet these goals; (3) finding ways to alter behavior that could provoke conflict; (4) changing any non useful responses to productive responses; (5) improving overall communication ability in order to minimize conflicts; and (6) minimizing the harmful effects of conflict to all parties (Noble, p.3). The author mentions that this type of coaching can either be tailored to individuals who often find themselves in unwanted conflicts, or can be specific to certain types of situations (p.3). Executive coaching is a second model that focuses on an executive who is mentored by a more seasoned executive (Thach, p. 205). In this type of coaching, both individuals lay out goals to increase the manager’s performance at the work level and the organizational level (p. 205). Executive coaching involves: (1) contracting; (2) data collection; and (3) coaching. The contracting step is a plan t hat is drawn up which includes goals, resources, and initial planning. The data collection step may involve skill assessment, interviews, and other methods for the collection of data. The coaching step is the largest step where two individuals analyze the data in order to develop a plan to overcome issues previously identified (Thach, p.206). An executive coaching example was mentioned by the author where 281 executives participated to either improve managerial effectiveness, or be able to assume a top executive role if needed. The study found that executive coaching did significantly improve both types of situations (Thach, p. 213). Steven Downward in his article â€Å"Coaching vs. Training---What Really is the Difference?† outlines differences between the two practices. One major difference is with the degree of learning involved (Downward, p.1). Training is the act of imparting knowledge to another person that would usually involve more intense one-on-one interaction and f eedback between the two parties (p.1). Coaching is more focused with guiding people to meet goals. Coaches do not necessarily have expertise that trainers would provide, but they do try to ensure that goals are met and outcomes are achieved (Downward, p.2). Another type of development is mentoring which is described as a much more extensive and long lasting process than coaching (insala.com, p.1). The difference between mentoring and coaching is that mentoring is a long term relationship that will develop between two individuals where an individual is providing guidance and knowledge to their pupil and lasts over a longer period of time while coaching is usually finished once a specific task is completed. In addition, mentoring will target more complete development of an individual while coaching is limited to usually one measure of performance (p.2). Coaches will influence people’s behavior, but mentors will be involved in every aspect of creating