04/29/2025
We take training at Bldg.Works very seriously!
Whether you're training a new crew member or helping someone sharpen a particular skill, coaching is one of the most direct ways to impact performance. And when it’s done right, it doesn’t just improve results—it builds confidence, trust, and momentum.
Some of the things you might be coaching are cleaning a restroom or break room, carpet cleaning, window washing, cleaning an entire building, or organizing a custodial closet.
If you want to coach someone through a specific task—something they need to do well and consistently—there are five key steps to get the skill to stick.
Step 1: Demonstrate the task
First, show them how it’s done. This may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to skip. Sometimes we assume someone already knows how to do the task, or we just hand over a checklist and expect them to figure it out.
Step 2: Observe them doing the task
Next, it’s their turn. Invite the learner to try the task while you observe. Your role in this moment is to step back and watch closely. Let them work through it, and resist the urge to jump in and fix things as they go.
Step 3: Provide feedback and re-demonstrate as needed
After they’ve had a chance to try, it’s time for feedback. Start by reinforcing what they did well. Be specific. Don’t just say, “Nice job”—point out the actions that were accurate or aligned with what you showed them. This helps build confidence and makes it more likely those behaviors will stick.
Step 4: Learner implements the task independently
Now it’s time to give them full ownership. This step is about letting them practice the skill on their own, with a clear goal and a reasonable amount of time to complete it.
Step 5: Inspect the results
Once the task is complete, circle back and inspect the outcome. You’re not nitpicking—you’re verifying that the work meets the standards you modeled. You’re checking for accuracy, consistency, and any signs of misunderstanding.
Skill transfer doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be intentional. When you take the time to coach someone through a task using this five-step process, you’re not just checking a box. You’re building a foundation they can grow from.