Go MADs Top Tips to help you be an even better coach….
- Remember that coaching isn’t always comfortable for the individual being challenged by H.Q.Qs.
- Avoid content seduction when coaching by using the “suitcasing” technique of packing your thoughts, ideas and experiences into an imaginary suitcase.
- Relax when you don’t make a difference – seek to understand the cause and learn from your understanding.
- Understand that you are not perfect and will make mistakes.
- Adapt your style and vocal tone to suit each person you coach.
- “Invite” a person to consider something, rather than tell them.
- Give yourself some positive self-talk when coaching others.
- Define goals for yourself when coaching others and mentally celebrate your success.
- Question whether you thoughts are helping or hindering you as a coach.
- Attend a coaching skills training programme.
- Question your intentions/actions as a coach, i.e. what caused you to ask that question or challenge that comment?
- Remember that every question should have a purpose.
- Practise coaching people to make a difference on an informal basis during conversations by asking H.Q.Q’s. (They don’t need to know you are using coaching skills).
- Take a break from coaching and give the individual some “homework” by inviting them to consider their answers to 3 or 4 H.Q.Q’s.
- Invite individuals to take personal responsibility by writing their own notes.
- Ask for feedback from the person you are coaching.
- Use metaphors and stories (as well as H.Q.Q’s) to engage the imagination.
- Remember to coach in a series of short, regular sessions.
- Apply coaching to yourself.
- Practise, practise, practise.
- Learn to spot “coachable moments”.
- Practice your skills by coaching someone.
- Remember that the impact of coaching can be more powerful than you give yourself credit for.
- Smile when you receive praise for coaching skills.
- Have fun. Coaching should be enjoyed!
[extract from Go MAD About Coaching book by Andy Gilbert and Ian Chakrovorty]
Love the blog