How To Be The Best Tech Coach You Can Be

How To Be The Best Tech Coach You Can Be

Technology coaches, sometimes called "technology integrators," are more in-demand today than ever before. In this hi-tech, fast-changing world we live in, tech coaches help to smooth the transition between the gadgets we used yesterday and the latest, greatest innovations of today. They assist in schools, business and organizations as well as meet with clients one on one. However, not all tech coaches are created equally; the very best of them remember these three things:

1. Communication is Key

This is perhaps the most important tip for any tech coach. You can be the most brilliant prodigy when it comes to technology, but if you don't express yourself well, you won't be a good coach. This doesn't mean using lots of ten-dollar words and tech jargon; quite the contrary. Become adept at being able to explain even complicated concepts in user-friendly ways. Inject some humor if you can -- make it entertaining. Put people at ease -- don't scare them with lots of extraneous concepts. Keep it simple and direct, and your clients will appreciate you.

2. Have Empathy and Respect

This tip dovetails with the last one; remember that you are forging relationships with each client you work with, and that great relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. You will be the tech expert in the relationship, but that doesn't entitle you to arrogance. Never talk down to a client. Cultivate the ability to have empathy for those who struggle with technology. Think of an area in your own life that you struggle with, and know that your clients are feeling the same way about technology. Learn how to be gentle with tech-phobic people and gently encouraging with those who are making progress. Push those who you know could be doing better -- but always respectfully.

3. Know that You Don’t Know Everything -- But You Can Learn

You may pride yourself on being at the leading edge of technology, but inevitably there will come a time when you're asked about an aspect of tech you haven't learned about yet. The key to handling this is to know ahead of time what each client wants to work on. That way you can prepare ahead of time, and you'll never be stumped during a session.