Good coaching conversations between managers and colleagues can lead to increased motivation, increased confidence, better communication and stronger interpersonal skills. Coaches within the workforce help to develop an attitude that is focussed on solutions and continual improvement, rather than problems and avoidance.

The role of a coach is to support, challenge, listen, ask questions, encourage and share feedback. Applying a coaching approach is a developmental tool that can lead to different ways of thinking and doing as well as unlocking a person’s potential for growth and openness to change

“Coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes.” - Sir John Whitmore

Coaching in the workplace is about managers playing an active, nurturing role by encouraging individuals to try and solve problems for themselves (solution focussed approach) rather than passing things back to the manager. Daily interaction and support for staff should be “business as usual” and coaching is part of that interaction; thus creating an environment where staff perform as independently as possible.

The Chartered institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) states:

“Coaching aims to produce optimal performance and improvement at work. It focuses on specific skills and goals, although it may also have an impact on an individual’s personal attributes such as social interaction or confidence. The process typically lasts for a defined period of time or forms the basis of an on-going management style…”

In Summary

There are many obvious benefits of applying a coaching strategy in the workplace and a good place to start on the journey is to identify key agents in your workforce and develop their coaching skills.

PACT HR offers a 1 day course around the principles of coaching as well as the beneficial impact of coaching conversations in the workplace. The course also includes practical elements that allow those attending to participate in a 1-2-1 coaching conversation on a particular goal/objective. Join us on our exclusive session ‘Coaching in the Workplace’, to help your organisation develop an attitude that is focused on solutions and continual improvement, rather than problems and avoidance.