Coaching for Change: Practical Strategies for Transforming Performance

It is important that you should also establish your own personal code of practice, for example:

• Respect confidentiality at all times.

• Respond by coaching not counselling.

• Work to create a supportive and appropriately challenging environment.

• Be prepared to build an enduring relationship with the learner.

• Equally be prepared to end the relationship and/or refer on to someone else if you and the learner feel it is appropriate.

• Focus on a holistic view.

• Have the desire to want to model and challenge development.

• Be curious - stimulate curiosity in your learner.

• Recognize that the individual is in charge of his or her own destiny.

This is only the starting point. Before embarking on a coaching role it is important to think very carefully about what it entails and to identify what you believe is important to include in your own code of practice. As highlighted earlier, coaching behaviours are important for anyone to develop either to self-coach or in a relationship with others. It is also important however to seek support and training for the role. This book only highlights key areas to consider. It cannot replace the learning required to become an effective coach.