9 Coaching Skills to use in your job
When you hear the word "coaching" what is popping up to your mind?
You might had the experience to have a coach, you may not. The word "coaching" is often used in lot of different ways, often it is abused. Better clarifying.
I'm an ICF coach, and I strongly support and share with the world the ICF definition of coaching.
What is ICF? "The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals." From ICF website.
ICF definition of coaching:
ICF defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership".
Based on the ICF criteria and rules, coaching IS NOT teaching, mentoring, consulting, telling people what to do...
Even if your intention is not to become a coach, Coaching Skills are key to inspire, motivate and grow people in your team. They will determine your success.
These are 9 coaching skills you can use in your job and in your life, even if you are not a coach.
1. Active Listening. This is the number one thing to do to increase your charisma and your ability to connect with others.
2. Be succinct and specific in your talking. Say in the first sentence of your speech the WHAT, then you can spend time in details.
3. Summarize from time to time what the other person said. You will help gaining awareness and focus.
4. Clarify what the other person said. You will help gaining clarity and direction.
5. Ask powerful questions. Instead of providing always answers and solutions, ask your people open ended questions, to push them to think on a deeper level.
6. Reflect systematically on the experience and learn from it. Plan time with your people to explore what went well, what could have been better, and what needs to be done. Run short and focused meetings.
7. Give (and ask) effective feedback. Make sure you based your comments on a specific fact that happened, say what was the impact, and then offer your request/suggestion to the other person. Be constructive.
8. Show appreciation. Notice what other people are doing well and say it. This is a great way to make others feeling appreciated and motivate them to give their best.
9. Know your people. Ask them questions to know what they like about their job, what they would prefer doing differently, what past experiences they had.
From May 19th my new online program on coaching skills for managers and entrepreneurs will be available on my school. It's totally self-paced, with my individual support aside. Here is the link for more information. Your ability to listen and to communicate will not be the same anymore.
Thank you for reading this, and be well.
Katiuscia Baggio.