2026-06-29
Coaching without giving answers: a feedback pattern that grows problem-solving
Give the answer and your report solves it now but can't think for themselves next time. A feedback pattern that grows problem-solving by prompting with questions, and how to practice it in the daily report.
The more you hand over answers, the less they think
Hand a stuck member the answer and the moment is solved fast. But repeat it and a dependence grows: 'if I'm stuck, I'll just ask.' Development looks like the long way around, yet letting the person think is ultimately the shortcut.
A growth mode that returns questions
Return questions, not answers: 'where did you get stuck?', 'what do you think caused it?', 'how will you change next time?' Have the person write the report's A (improvement) and next-day P, while the manager prompts thinking with questions. Keeping the person as the one who thinks is the foundation of problem-solving.
Add scaffolding only on stuck days
Push back every time and the person can break. Have them think for themselves as a rule, and add a hint as scaffolding only on the days they're truly stuck — that balance of burden and development is the knack of coaching you can sustain.
Put growth into words weekly
In the weekly review, put into words the moment they thought it through and improved, and reflect it back. Once they realize 'last week I cleared that wall myself,' the success sticks and the will to think for themselves next time grows.
A tool for a culture of improvement and fair evaluation that implements these ideas.