The COURAGE™ framework for managing remotely by task

By Neil Shorney, Director of Navanter Knowledge Bites. Time to read: 2 minutes.

So what have we looked at so far? We've looked at how different people have different needs (did you take the NPSI test I offered you? Just use access code: RMTK) and we've looked at tasking. Today, I'd like to share with you the COURAGE™ coaching conversation structure to guide your tasking conversations.

The COURAGE™ framework is an ideal tool to guide your conversations so that your remote staff feel supported in their tasks. It reminds us of the 7 conversation elements we should be having with our remote staff to ensure that management works remotely as well as face-to-face. COURAGE™ stands for:

  •     Current task:
    • What should they be working on?
  •     Ordinary state:
    • What’s their current performance level?
  •     Ultimate state:
    • Where could their performance level realistically get to?
  •     Required steps:
    • How are they going to complete the task?
  •     Assistance:
    • What assistance do they need, and where will they get it?
  •     Guidance:
    • What guidance will you offer, and how often?
  •     Execution:
    • What steps do they need to take to get started?

As you work through these steps, the key element to consider is the questions you’ll ask to guide the conversation. You might want to take some time out to think of what questions you could use in each conversation stage. Or you might prefer to short-cut the work and ask me for my question bank which you can use "out of the box" - just contact me here, and I'll forward the questions on to you.

I've created an infographic of 4 key areas to consider for effective remote management. You can grab yourself a copy just here. 

Or why not check out Knowledge Bites' courses in the Remote Management Toolkit:

Managing Remotely

How To Facilitate Effective Virtual Meetings

Delivering Remote Feedback

Motivating From A Distance

Location: Oxford, Royaume-Uni

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