Question

Give an example of a “general” coaching statement as contrasted to a “pinpointed” coaching statement. Which is more effective and why?

Answer 1

Example of General Coaching Statement- Your attendance record for the last few months is not good.

Example of Pinpointed Coaching statement- You have missed 20 days of work in the last 3 months.

Pinpointed Coaching statements are very specific and mention the exact details and facts. In the above example, the statement clearly mentions that an employee has missed 20 days of work in the last 3 months. This statement specifies the details and factual evidence about the employee's attendance in the last 3 months. The employee would be able to understand exactly what is told to him or her. Therefore, Pinpointed Coaching statements pin down the precise message which is required to be given to the employee. Another advantage of Pinpointed statements is that they are very hard to argue, as they contain factual evidence.

On the other hand, General Coaching statements are broad and do not mention the specifics or facts. In the above example for the General Coaching statement, it is just mentioned that the employee's attendance record is not good. It does not mention anything about the details or factual evidence that can establish that the attendance record is poor.

Therefore, Pinpointed Coaching statements are more effective than General Coaching statements.