Coaching Out – Sample Script
Last updated: July 8, 2021
A coaching out conversation is aimed at convincing a staff member that continued tenure in the role doesn’t make sense and agreeing on a smooth transition plan. In situations where you’re convinced that a traditional progressive discipline process won’t lead to the steep improvement that you need, coaching out can be a kinder and more effective approach.
This sample script illustrates how you might:
- Start a coaching-out conversation
- Explain how the needs of the role have changed
- Focus on the high bar for performance you need, and explain the gap between the staff member’s performance and that bar
- Give the staff member time to reflect on how to move forward
Check out the other resources in ourPerformance Problemsseries:
- Performance Improvement Plan Toolkit
- Four Steps for Addressing Performance Problems
- How to Approach Tricky Performance Improvement Plans
- Addressing Performance Problems Case Study
- Frequently Asked Questions About Performance Problems
- How to Coach a Disorganized Staff Member
- Sample language:Informal Warning,Formal Warning,Firing