Coaching conversations
conversations with intention
One of the most important aspects of the coaching relationship is the coaching conversation. It is through this conversation that the work plan comes alive and the real work of transformation begins. As Elena Aguilar notes it is at this point that clients begin to transition from old habits to new ones and can be a trying time where "our support is critical. Coaches must be very patient and compassionate and constantly check that our client is willing to engage in coaching. If we don't, we risk losing trust and therefore, the possibility of transformation" (2013).
Planning the coaching conversation is akin to planning a great lesson for students. Coaches must employ several questioning strategies that offer support while also pushing/pulling them to reach that next level. Depending on the coaching model employed, directive or facilitative, different approaches to the conversation will be warranted.
Planning the coaching conversation is akin to planning a great lesson for students. Coaches must employ several questioning strategies that offer support while also pushing/pulling them to reach that next level. Depending on the coaching model employed, directive or facilitative, different approaches to the conversation will be warranted.
Facilitative Conversation tip sheetThe facilitative approach is all about behavior, beliefs, and being. By working with a client, a coach hopes to facilitate change and growth by pulling the teacher toward their own goals. Within the facilitative model are several coaching stances from which to direct the questions and activities; the stances include supportive, cathartic, catalytic. This guide will suggest different questions and activities to support clients as we engage them in this mode.
The Cathartic Stance:
Engage the client in the processing of emotions. Useful if the client is afraid of risk/failure, feels incompetent, or is frustrated/unmotivated. Questions Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
The art of asking the right questions to stimulate change. Useful to assist in reflection of feelings and thoughts; results in self-discovery, problem solving, and ownership of learning. Questions Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
Provide confirmation, offer support and encouragement, and help the client stayed focused on goals. Questions Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
Coaching Activities Supporting Facilitative Coaching
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directive conversation tip sheetThe directive approach is an appropriate model when the coach recognizes that a client exhibits “a fixed mental model, a rut story, or a paralyzing web of belief” (Aguilar 2013). All of these mindsets inhibit the client from growth and require a virtual “push” from the coach to nudge clients out of the rut and into a growth space. Within the directive model are several coaching stances that direct the questions and activities; the stances include confrontational, informative, and prescriptive. This guide will suggest different questions and activities to support clients as we engage them in this mode.
The Confrontational Stance:
Challenge assumptions, beliefs, or being Useful for clients who seem stuck in a rut of various kinds of thinking blocking growth. Questions Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
The coach acts as a source of knowledge and gives information Useful for novice teachers and veteran teachers who would like additional resources. Coaching Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
Coaches serve as a source of advice, giving recommendations and directions – taken very rarely Useful for times when advice is warranted and the client is in a place to receive advice Coaching Stems suggested by The Art of Coaching (2013):
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