How managers can create a coaching relationship
“Leadership is about understanding others and getting them to do what THEY want to do.” Another great post by Dan Rockwell. A key for leaders who are coaching is to create a coaching relationship with their people. Although this is critical for all coaches - it's even more important for a leader because they have an already established relationship with their employees (could be as a boss, mentor, advisor, expert, etc.). Coaching is distinct from these other ways of interacting and importantly coaching only works if you have "permission" to coach. If you don't believe me - just go home and try to coach your spouse or children :-)
Others 'allow' you to coach them or they don't. This can't be forced. Building relationship and trust is critical to being effective in your coaching.
This blog post provides great tips, coaching questions and a process for developing a coaching relationship with your employees.