Coaching
We tend to discuss at length the obvious
learning
formats
like
classroom,
books
and
other
self-directed,
and
online.
Other
formats
exist
in
both
formal
and
informal
learning.
Coaching
is
one
learning
format
that
exists
in
a
wide
variety
of
ways.
Coaches
work
to
provide
on-the-job
training
and
performance
enhancement.
In
either
case,
the
same
principles
apply.
A coach is someone dedicated to the advancement
of
another.
The
relationship
is
unique
with
the
understanding
that
one
person
is
learning
from
another.
What makes a great coach?
A
great
coach
is
focused
on
the
person
being
coached.
This
is
done
by
keeping
the
process
goal-oriented
but
with
an
open
mind.
Trust
is
earned
through
both
the
formal
and
informal
interaction.
Privacy
and
confidentiality
is
guarded
at
all
times.
A great coach:
- Interacts in a fair and unbiased way with
the
person
being
coached
to
build
trust
and
eliminate
resistance.
- Provides support and encouragement to assure
the
process
remains
positive.
- Realizes that success is both their responsibilities.
"
Displays
the
skills
that
the
person
being
coached
is
expected
to
acquire.
- Acknowledges that it is a collaborative
process.
- Listens with patience and understanding.
- Asks direct questions that are focused
on
objectives
and
not
opinion.
- Sets realistic performance goals, based
on
the
objectives
for
the
coaching,
as
a
basis
for
the
coaching.
Coaching Plan
Coaching
involves
3
steps
whether
the
goals
are
short
or
long-term
and
includes:
- Readiness: Prior to the beginning of a
coaching
interaction,
the
coach
must
prepare.
It
is
not
enough
to
know
the
goals
to
accomplish.
It
is
important
to
have
a
good
understanding
of
the
person
that
will
be
coached,
just
as
any
instructor
should
prepare
by
knowing
their
audience.
Just
like
the
instructor,
the
coach
must
develop
an
action
plan
that
includes
steps
to
reach
the
specified
goals.
- Coaching: During the coaching period the
action
plan
is
carried
out
with
constant
evaluation.
An
evaluation
of
the
progress
is
performed
to
determine
if
the
action
plan
is
working
as
expected
or
if
it
needs
modification.
- Follow-up: After the coaching is completed
the
coach
is
not
done.
Positive
reinforcement
for
achieved
goals
and
assistance
with
goals
not
achieved
is
imperative.
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