Creating a Coaching Culture

We are passionate about enabling organisations to maximise the potential of their staff. Creating a coaching culture enables more of that potential to be realised and so, creating a coaching culture produces a step change in organisational performance.

In these times when many organisations are being challenged to do more with less coaching can provide a very cost effective solution to improving performance.

What is a Coaching Culture?

A coaching culture can be described as one where the key principles of coaching – asking questions, active listening, providing appropriate challenge and giving timely feedback – are embedded in the organisation. Managers see coaching as an integral part of their role rather than a ‘nice to have’ or ‘if I have time’.

Employees at all levels value learning and collaborative working and take responsibility for their own development. In short, a coaching culture recognises and values organisational goals and direction whilst also encouraging individual growth as a way to achieve excellence and superior performance.

How to create a coaching culture?

Building a coaching culture takes time. It requires true commitment from senior management and the development of a way of working that puts individual growth at the heart. More and more organisations are now recognising the value of coaching and there has been an exponential increase in coaching in recent years. The recent Learning and Development Survey carried out by the CIPD found that coaching now takes place in 86% of large organisations. In addition the survey made the following findings.

  • Coaching by line mangers was seen to be the most effect learning and development practice for employees generally.
  • Coaching by external coaches, along with external conferences, workshops and events was reported to be the most effective learning methods for leaders.
  • Overall coaching was commonly rated by respondents as one of the most effective talent management activities.

All of which make a strong case for ensuring that the leaders in your organisation are equipped to use coaching methods in their role by understanding the key principles of coaching and have the skills to exercise these on a day to basis. Through the use of ‘coaching conversations’ managers enhance personal performance by creating a culture of support and challenge enabling all team members to achieve their true potential.

At Iridium we run a range of programmes to assist you in building a coaching culture in your organisation. Programmes are always tailor-made to suit your requirements. Sample programmes are provided below.

Creating a Coaching Culture

One Day Introduction to Coaching

The goal of this one-day workshop is to introduce participants to some of the key tools and techniques to enable them to create a coaching culture within their own team.

The workshop will be highly participative with emphasis on learning tools which can be applied immediately.

The participants will work in triads throughout taking it in turns to be coach, coachee and observer. Participants therefore get the added benefit of receiving coaching throughout the day.

The workshop will include

  • What is coaching and how does it differ from managing/mentoring/counselling?
  • The coaching continuum, from directive to non-directive coaching and when various styles of coaching are appropriate/not appropriate.
  • What makes an effective coach? Reflection on the characteristics of an effective coach. What are helpful/unhelpful coaching behaviours?
  • Communication skills for coaches – building rapport, intuitive listening, and asking powerful questions.
  • Outcome based thinking. Introduction to this powerful process of setting compelling outcomes that will maximise the chances of a coachee achieving the results that they really want for their career/personal development.
  • The GROW coaching model – introduction to the model and practise in running a full coaching session using GROW.
  • Reflections and development of personal action plans.

The Leader as Coach Two Day Workshop

The goal of this two-day workshop is to equip participants with the knowledge, tools and techniques to enable them to create a coaching culture within their own team. The workshop will be highly participative with emphasis on learning tools which can be applied immediately.

Particular focus will be placed on developing coaching skills and having coaching conversations during times of change. The participants will work in triads throughout taking it in turns to be coach, coachee and observer. Participants therefore get the added benefit of receiving coaching throughout the two days.

The two days will include

  • What is coaching and how does it differ from managing/mentoring/counselling?
  • The coaching continuum, from directive to non-directive coaching and when various styles of coaching are appropriate/not appropriate.
  • What makes an effective coach? Reflection on the characteristics of an effective coach. What are helpful/unhelpful coaching behaviours?
  • Establishing the coaching ‘contract’.
  • Building quality relationships, based on trust and confidence through rapport.
  • Communication skills for coaches – intuitive listening, using ‘clean’ language and asking powerful questions.
  • Outcome based thinking. Introduction to this powerful process of setting compelling outcomes that will maximise the chances of a coachee achieving the results that they really want for their career/personal development.
  • The GROW coaching model – introduction to the model and practise in running a full coaching session using GROW.
  • Coaching in times of change. Appreciation of the transition curve and different reactions of people in times of change. Introduction to a number of tools for coaching in times of change and coaching practise.
  • Reflections and development of personal action plans.
Our book ‘Coaching With Impact at Work‘ is available on Amazon.

See Gill's new book: Team Coaching With Impact at Work is available now on Amazon.

To discuss more, contact us now on 07881 636538 or contact us via email.