Coaching: 25/09/2009
 
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Some of you might know that a little while back now I did an intensive coaching course to get a Level 5 Diploma in Coaching. If you don't know what coaching is click the picture on the left.

To get the qualification you have to complete 3 elements of work:

1. An assignment of some ridiculous size!
2. A fixed amount of hours of 'coaching practice': I have 4 coachees that I meet with monthly
3. A reading log: You have to do a number of logged hours of reading.

I plan to crack through my assignment on a few days off next week and have done a load of reading (for the logged hours) but the bit that takes a little longer is the 'coaching practice....'

So far I have seen my 4 coachees twice each and the feedback I am getting is kinda blowing me away really. I wasn't sure if this was my thing at all. I have loads to learn and have this nack of talking more than listening - bigo problemo!! That said here's a quote I got from one of my coachee's today that is typical of some of the feedback I'm getting:

"The first session was a great way to set the parameters as to what coaching is about. It enabled me to understand what 'coaching' is all about and how it is a tool to support me and give the chance for me to look at work,relations, team etc and to verbally communicate my ideas. It was a great way to put across ideas, vision without the receiver (Dave) trying to influence them too much. Dave worked on what I was saying and put them into a logical picture! 

The first session also enabled me to establish a relationship with the coacher and establish communication style. I was able to quickly 'bond' with the coacher and establish a trust relationship. He was able to give me the confidence to view ideas out in the open etc. 

The 2nd session became more constructive and purposeful. We were able to establish what goads I wanted to achieve from the coaching. Discussed the exercise from the 1st coaching session regarding values and how these related to my team. This session was a very positive one due to the changes I had undergone at work. I was able to focus on developing my ideas for the team. This motivated me and gave me an exciting challenge which I have floundered with over the last few months. 

Dave gave me the confidence that I should be looking at how I wanted things to go. This gave me a great sense of empowerment. 

The verbal outpour from me (!) was turned into extremely constructive ideas by Dave which I would not necessarily have found the time or skill to do on my own. 

Have really enjoyed the sessions so far!"

There you go....Good eh?!

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