Over the years, Apex has written several articles about the importance of coaching; as well as the benefits of using assessments to enhance coaching. However, with most work and communications now being virtual, Apex has adapted its delivery of coaching. Assessments are now more important than ever, because they have the ability to transcend the virtual aspect of coaching and create a better connection throughout the coaching process. Here are a few reasons why assessments are vital for virtual coaching:
Opportunity to Strengthen Communication and Employee Interaction:
It is very apparent that the way we communicate at work has changed since switching to virtual work. At this point, people may have been working virtually for several months and may feel comfortable with new forms of communication. However, communicating virtually is always going to have unique obstacles. One example might be: not accurately sensing tone or urgency through e-mail or instant messaging. To overcome these obstacles and improve communication, assessments can be instrumental.
DISC Assessment
One of our most common assessments, the DISC, is especially useful for strengthening communication. Essentially, the DISC assesses behavioral styles and how employees adapt to their work environment. By learning other people’s styles and how they prefer to respond to issues at work, it can greatly improve communication and how people deal with conflict. If you would like to learn more about the DISC assessment, click here to view our DISC infographic.
EQ Assessment
Another option is to make use of EQ assessments. EQ (Emotional Intelligence) assessments are extremely valuable with virtual coaching and will help develop employees in the virtual work world. EQ is the ability to recognize and understand others’ emotions, which has become increasingly difficult when using virtual platforms. By using EQ assessments, we can identify where people may be lacking in EQ and a coach can provide tools and strategies to improve EQ and in turn, improve communication skills.
TKI Assessment
The TKI assessment is geared specifically towards conflict management. The TKI identifies individuals’ behavior during conflict (their “conflict mode”). This is vital information to know when improving communication because it allows employees to understand the different ways their team members behave during conflict. Learning about this information will help employees effectively use their own conflict mode and reconsider the way they approach conflict with each other.
Improve Employee Engagement:
As we transition to the virtual work world, it may be difficult to encourage employee engagement in organizations. One way to help tackle this challenge is to include team building activities. Using assessments such as the Five Dysfunctions of a Team Lencioni Assessment to amplify team building can provide opportunities for training and development for employees. Assessment feedback sessions are interactive, and learning about their own styles will show employees that their organization believes in their potential and is investing in their development. This will help to foster a culture that encourages ongoing development for employees. When employees see this culture shift, it makes them feel valued and more engaged with their organization.
Development Planning:
Strengths and weaknesses may seem like basic information that everyone should know about themselves already. However, for many of us, our strengths and weaknesses are likely completely different in this new virtual work world and we probably have not had the time to re-evaluate them. One way we can identify these potential changes in our strengths and weaknesses is through 360 assessments. 360s help each individual realize their areas for growth and where they are excelling in much more depth, as well as learn about the development of their team members. Using assessments to learn this information allows the coach to create a development plan for individuals and identify which areas the whole team has in common. This can be beneficial in becoming more cohesive. Assessments such as the DISC, EQ, and 360s are all great for discovering strengths and weaknesses. You can learn about the benefits of all three of these types of assessments in this blog post.
Giveaway!
Apex is currently offering a free DISC assessment as well a feedback session with one of our expert coaches. If you are interested in learning more, please click the link below.
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