Creating a Coaching Mindset

One on one coaching has many advantages. In addition to providing support including acting as a catalyst and sounding board, the new thinking patterns need to be reliable, predictable, effective and long term (habitual) focused. The concept of a coaching platform supports this proposition.

These coaching sessions are usually structured into three parts, effectively dividing the time (45-60 minutes) into three time slots.

1.  Focused discussion on results contained in the 360-degree feedback. I.e. what are you specifically doing with the results, suggested areas for change/ development and what progress made to date.

Phase One:  Focus on self/ individual
The foundation elements will centre on developing an understanding and recognition of current Thinking Patterns/ Thought Processes that influence behaviours/ effectiveness/ performance. This will take in such related topics as confidence, beliefs, self-esteem, comfort zones, motivation levels, which are all related to creating long term, sustainable performance.

Phase Two:  Focus on “Others”
This stage will build on the previous elements with the focus shift from “self” to “what impact my leadership has on other peoples’ Thinking Patterns/ Thought Processes and behaviours/ effectiveness/ performance.

Phase Three:  Focus on Business Unit Initiatives
This component allows for discussion that may be specifically focussed on broader business areas.

2.  Additional material – themes- or extensions to add to the learning environment

Some examples of topic or themes presented in Meelup Management coaching chats - often referred to as Meelup Moments.

• How to walk the talk as a team
• If we are using a more prescriptive referring technique across the organization, what could we gather as part of that success story building?
• Kotters steps to ensuring the change process works, lasts and the organization develops.
• Self-efficacy, what is it, how do you develop it individually and collectively and why.
• Personal Bests, how to compete and be your best, constructively not destructively
• Mental pictures, the power and effectiveness of Visualisation, bread and butter to elite sports people, something we all use from time to time.
• My own internal chatter and gossip, and those around me, Self Talk and how it impacts all we do.
• Goal setting and balance
• Levels of happiness, what are the different levels, how to use with teams
• Optimism and Pessimism, how to detect the different levels and how to change individual and group levels of optimism
• Succession planning
• Leading versus managing, changing the mix
• Styles of motivation, how to motivate yourself and others
• Anxiety versus arousal, know the difference and how to get the mix right
• Celebrating success, how to create an achievement based culture
• Our process of Thought, how we think and what this has to do with the future
• Mental Toughness, resiliency and the ability to withstand setbacks
• How to create the energy of the start up company
• Stages of development, where are you and your team/ company at in these stages?
• Coaching/ mentoring self and others, (available as half day workshop or two individual sessions)
• Honesty, clarity and communication
• Some thoughts on how to sell promote or communicate an idea

Plus other topics/ themes not listed.

3.  Forum for discussion- usually specific matters or issues you may wish to discuss and seek an opinion on, to seek clarity, direction and occasionally assistance in resolving.

With over 25 years working with management and leadership teams, I am in the position to share this experience with others. The opportunity to share some in-house issues or challenges they are currently experiencing with an independent person has a great deal of worth and value. The days of old, where an emerging leader could seek the counsel of a more senior person are not totally gone, just few and far between, from what my clients share with me. This component becomes increasingly important and valuable to the person being coached as the trust and relationship levels are established.

So, the coaching session, as simple as it sounds has structure, purpose and a pre-determined outcome as the three elements come together.