When a leader takes a coaching approach, they listen proactively to an employee, ask non-directive questions, and then deliver actionable feedback.
Ideally, this process leaves the employee feeling supported and empowers them to take action toward performance and self-directed feedback. A coaching approach allows leaders to be effective in their position while motivating employees to expand their knowledge and skill level. When coaching is implemented well, it can improve communication, engagement, performance and productivity.
Taking a coaching approach requires leaders to shift their focus from receiving questions and solving problems to asking questions, providing observations and giving feedback. Leaders who excel in coaching have strong communication skills and demonstrate empathy when engaging with their employees. They express curiosity, ask open-ended questions, and can pick up on the subtleties of conversation. They recognize strengths in others and can help to create a vision that supports development.
These courses are ones recommended by B.C. Corrections to fulfill the competencies for the topic of Coaching Skills.
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