EVOLUTION of the TEACHBACK

15 years ago, during a coaching appointment, the client I was working with kept asking me for advice on how to fix different problems they were facing.  I was used to the rapid fire questions that clients would rattle off to me, but that day something new happened.

I had just finished training them on a core principle that is a game changer.  It seemed a bit odd that they had jumped into asking me for advice so fast just after I had spent 30 minutes training them.  I had just answered one of their questions and I was about to answer the next one when I just abruptly held my hand up…..STOP!

Shocked….they stopped talking.
I switched channels….”Ok, it’s your turn to teach me what I just taught you.”
They sat there staring at me…”What?”
“Yep, it’s your turn to teach me what I just taught you.”
“Grab the marker and go to the whiteboard and teach me back.”
Slowly….they reached over and picked up the marker….
Slowly….they slid their chair back…..
Even slower, they stood up and walked to the whiteboard…

Hahahahhhaaaa….I could totally see that they had no idea what to say….I didn’t laugh out loud, but I was laughing big time inside. :-) 

They stood there for a minute….or 2….3….and then finally….”Ok, I wasn’t listening, what did you teach me?”

It worked.  
The Teachback moment blew their cover.
From that point on, I know do this at every appointment.

I am not going to dish out advice unless they are learning and comprehending what it is that I am coaching them on.
They have to step up….do their part….pay attention….and be able to teach me back what it is that they learned.

NOW I know what they did hear…and what they missed.
No more asking them if they have any questions about what I shared with them,
From this point on they get to learn it so well they can actually teach it right there on the spot.

BOOM!
You can see in the format of coaching it fits nicely in right after the training portion.

Even when I show my new clients how the 1 hour appointment works, they will see it in the plan.
So it’s not a surprise….they know it’s coming.
Sure helps them pay attention better.
I figure, if they can teach me….they most likely will be able to help a friend out because they know it so well.

Now the client knows that this is part of every appointment.
I had a client the other day that said….”Wait, you skipped my Teachback moment, I’m ready for it.”  
That was awesome!

So much clarification comes out during the Teachback.
You can see and hear what matters to them by what and how they explain the information back to you.  Gives you a deeper insight to how they think and how they listen.

There’s no reason that we as Coaches have to be in the spotlight the whole time.
Your client will feel so much more confident about what they are learning.
It’s more clear to them.
What’s fascinating as they are doing the Teachback they find where they have gaps and that produces the right kind of questions to ask you.

Make room for the Teachback process to be in your coaching format.
No matter what it is that you coach on, turn them into the coach and watch what happens.

One other side note - as you listen to how they teach you back, notice what it is that you could adjust so that they can learn and remember what it is that you taught them.  You may see that you need to use a diagram or a sketch or write down the steps for them.  You will see areas in your teaching style that need to be brushed up and improved.  Take notes.  This will escalate your coaching skill.

QUOTE

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The beauty of a chain reaction!  Love it!

I’ve hired many coaches over my coaching career.
It’s helped me get past my own mental blocks and emotional quicksand.
I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.
Let’s you and I solve what’s blocking your progress.

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Stronger ~ Lighter ~ Smarter

Kirk