Learning Developmental Coaching———

Abstract

This article describes an educational intervention designed to promote the ability and willingness of MBA students to lead through coaching. MBA lead-ership students are trained to serve as coaches for undergraduate business students in a developmental assessment center. In this compelling context, their main source of influence is the ability to help. They have no power to evaluate or punish. MBA coaches have an opportunity to reflect on the activity of helping through writing assignments and discussions with faculty and other coaches. This work explores the developmental transitions required of managers if they are to effectively promote learning rather than compliance.