The Role of a Coach
Coaching is an integral part of individual and organizational change. Coaching facilitates individuals and groups to:
- better understand how their behaviors impact others
- become aware of established patterns of action that are not serving them well
- expand their awareness of strategic alternative action choices
Coaches motivate, facilitate and guide clients. They are generalists, effective communicators, and relationship builders, who draw on their corporate, business, educational and life experiences to serve as catalysts for change. Coaches work with the person or organization to clarify individual core values and identify alignment with organization values, connecting short-term successes to longer-term strategies.
The Blue Harbor coaching staff is grounded in the following fundamental coaching principles:
- developing a relationship based on genuine empathy and trust
- establishing clear goals that both the coach and coachee agree are reachable
- inspiring and validating clients while providing consistently accurate feedback
- providing a learning environment
- following governing values that are consistent with bringing out the best in people individually and collectively
Types of Coaching
There are two primary types of business coaching. We most commonly hear about "performance coaching". In this type, specific skill sets are identified for a client to acquire which will increase effectiveness in his/her role. Performance coaching addresses reaching established goals, enhancing performance, choosing correct actions and carrying out those actions effectively. In addition to the one-on-one time spent coaching the client, a coach may recommend focused techniques, reading, or courses to address specific issues such as: time management, strategic planning, and effective performance evaluations. This coaching concentrates on performance related skills that can be enhanced through training.
The second form of coaching can be called "transformational coaching". Though often precipitated by performance issues as discussed above, this coaching is more holistic, and addresses behaviors which limit the coachee's effectiveness. For example, a client may be excellent at the mechanics of his/her role, but could increase effectiveness in communication, interpersonal relationships, or team development. The coach facilitates awareness of how an individual's beliefs, self esteem, communication skill and style, values, and intentions affect the outcome of everyday interactions with others. As the coaching relationship matures, the trust between client and coach provides the opportunity to examine established patterns of behavior. This work encourages the client to look at "who and how they are" in the workplace. Once these limiting behaviors are identified, development and practice of new patterns takes place. This process is called transformational learning.
Blue Harbor's coaches offer expertise in both types of coaching to individuals and organizations.
Outcomes
Development of truly effective leaders requires addressing the whole person: who they are and how they are, as well as the knowledge and skills they bring to their role. Coaching promotes broadening a client's behavioral and technical skills, and integrating them into daily interactions. Coaching consistently provides a positive impact within current individual roles and team performance. Additionally, the enhanced skill sets and self knowledge prepare our clients for expanded leadership roles.
