Coaching aims to produce optimal performance and improvement at work. Formal Coaching, offered by trained Executive Coaches, is a skilled activity and requires formal qualifications and contracting. In Cardiff and Vale UHB we are aiming to develop a coaching culture and so we offer training for managers to enable them to provide informal workplace coaching. Both types of coaching focus on goal setting and encouraging the Coachee to actively move forwards.
Coaching in the workplace, unlike athletic development, does not focus on behaviours that are being executed poorly or incorrectly. Instead, the focus is on identifying opportunity for development based on individual strengths and capabilities. Typically workplace coaching will be as a day-to-day management activity, embedded into one-to-one meetings, appraisals and other conversations. Managers and leaders are able to improve their skills in this area by attending training.
As a coach, you will be actively listening and facilitating an increase self-awareness and clarity about the way forward. You will not be giving others advice* but offering constructive challenge, enabling them to find the answers themselves. This model links to Compassionate Leadership
The aims of workplace coaching in this organisation include:
• Developing organisational and individual goals
• Supporting staff to find their own solutions to problems
• preparing and supporting people through change
• supporting learning and development.
• opportunity for staff to better assess their strengths and development areas
Formal Executive Coaching in Cardiff and Vale is very limited and normally linked to specific leadership development. Formal Coaching sessions will focus on specific skills and goals, although they may also have an impact on an individual’s personal attributes such as social interaction or confidence. A coach may not have (and doesn’t need) any experience in the given area. The process typically lasts for a defined period of time or forms the basis of an on-going management style development. Staff will normally be put forward for Formal Coaching by their Manager with the aim of improving their confidence in dealing with a specific issue / area of development. Please complete the Formal Coaching Request if you would like to apply for this.
Other sources of Executive Coaching to help your own personal or professional development are;
Academi Wales
University of South Wales
For more information on Coaching and Mentoring, please visit the CIPD website.