Any attempt to improve human performance starts with the InsideOut Mindset. People have the capacity to learn and perform at a higher level. It’s a manager’s job to draw out that high performance.

1. insideoutdev.com | 1.888.262.2448
Outside-In Approach
The well-intentioned default
InsideOut Approach
The key to maximizing performance
The “tell” or “advice-giving”
approach
Performance (P) =
Capacity (C) + Knowledge (K)
ASKS
What can I put in?
USE IT TO
Give urgent direction or explain
complex policies that must be
followed for purposes of safety,
liability, or consistency
The “ask”
approach
Performance (P) =
Capacity (C) – Interference (I)
ASKS
What can I bring out?
USE IT TO
Remove interference so the
individual can learn faster and
act on existing knowledge;
solve complex problems;
build ownership
Outside-In Approach InsideOut Approach
The belief that everyone has the capacity
to learn and perform at a higher level.
“The key to higher performance isn’t
knowing more about what to do, but doing
more of what we already know.”
—Alan Fine
There are two types of coaching approaches.
Knowing when to use each of them will strengthen
the conversations and the relationships between
managers and their teams.
Once leaders have adopted an InsideOut Mindset they're equipped
to apply the right coaching approach in any conversation.
The InsideOut Mindset is essential to maximize performance and
drive long-term success. An InsideOut Approach the best way to
help individuals take ownership of action plans and key results.
WHAT IS THE
InsideOut
Mindset?
Specific, task-based
instructions
Budgets
Relaying processes
Removing interference
so people can act on
existing knowledge
Solving complex
problems
Building ownership
leaders talk, employees
listen and learn
employees feel heard,
valued, and respected
USE FOR USE FOR
RESULTING CONVERSATIONS RESULTING CONVERSATIONS
What coaching approach should I use?
The InsideOut and Outside-In approaches both have a place in
business conversations, but many managers default to the
Outside-In approach for every problem and conversation.
Learning when to use each approach will help managers be more
versatile and set themselves and their teams up for success.
Once you’ve established an InsideOut
Mindset, use it to drive performance.
Learn how with the Performance Wheel
www.insideoutdev.com/grow-blog