PMP Exam Tip: Interpersonal Skills a PMP Needs: 11. Coaching

In Appendix X3, the PMBOK® Guide discusses Interpersonal Skills for the project manager. We are currently reviewing these one by one in our weekly PMP exam tip. and we have reached the last one in the series: Coaching.
If you look up what it means to “coach” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it lists

: to teach and train (an athlete or performer)
: to teach, train, and direct (a sports team)

So, there is a bit of a sports analogy here, but being a coach is one of the hats that a project manager has to be able to wear for his or her team. Your goal as a project manager when coaching is for the team member as an individual and for your project team as a collective to be at their highest level of competency and performance. You want to enable them to do the work.

Coaching may involve teaching and training or providing them a way to gain or increase their skills. This might be formal or informal training. You may have to find ways to develop their confidence and motivation. It may require you to increase team building and collaboration.