After a few weeks of listening to Michael Gerber's book, E-Myth Mastery (mandatory reading for Affiliate owners,) I sat down and created specific job descriptions for all staff, and a monstrous operations manual delineating both responsibility and reward. As challenges go, this is more akin to a 10k run than a tough METCON: none of it is particularly challenging, but it takes a long time, and I'm distracted easily. But it was worth it.
When it comes to coaching, nearly every Affiliate with more than one coach will eventually hit the hurdle of coaching differentiation. Some coaches are more technically proficient; some are more schooled; some are more charismatic.
What SHOULD you standardize? The order of your coaching progression. This means efficient transition (minimum time from introduction to achieving a full movement,) continual progression for the client, and smaller, clearer steps along the way.
Here's an example of the problem: Jenny's trying to get her first pullup. She's got her kip down; she's no longer challenged enough by bodyweight rows to push any sort of adaptation; she just can't put it all together. In a group of twelve, where half can do pullups and half can barely do a bent-knee bodyweight row, Jenny's stuck in the middle. If the coach doesn't have a clear plan for progression, they're most likely to polarize the group (can't do a pullup? Bodyweight rows it is!) Jenny gets a good workout, but doesn't move closer to a full pullup.
Our idea: exercise placards (fancy posters) on the walls.
Maybe it's a bit too Bob Hoffman for you, but it helps. The poster clearly shows the progression, including the threshold necessary to move up a level. We tested with a lot of groups before we added the thresholds, but if you disagree, you can just use your own.
Bonus: we're shipping these in high-quality format to local high schools, police stations..anyone who asks, really. We don't charge for them. Want to download the template, change colours, change the disclaimer, add your logo, or otherwise rip it apart? You can download our versions here. Feel free to share, print, sell...but please give us credit where it's due.
I'm not advocating homogeneity among your staff. In fact, I think members SHOULD have favourites. If I hear the argument: "Tyler's my favourite!" "No, Mike's better!" I'm smiling. Since no coach can appeal to everyone, different styles means better client coverage. But for the good of the client,their rate of development shouldn't differ by coach. Maximum rate of progression should mean that clients reach high levels faster and attract other clients. Rave about a woman getting her first pullup on facebook, and count the 'likes' half an hour later - this is the good stuff!