Workplace Coach Characteristics

1.3 – Describe the behaviours and characteristics of an effective workplace coach

Here I am going to outline some of the important characteristics and elements which will enable all coaches to effectively facilitate coachees in order to achieve their goals.

Listening

Good listening skills are imperative; indeed, all-round communication skills are a must. It’s all very well asking the ‘right’ questions, but if the coach doesn’t fully hear the answers, they could steer their coachee and any corresponding plan of action in the wrong direction. ‘Reflecting’ is a common technique for coaches; it’s not just about whether they’ve heard what has been said, but whether they’ve understood, using key words and phrases. Less is more: interruption or interjection, a lack of understanding, and continual assumptions can all arise through poor listening skills; the effective coach shows interest, and makes the focus of any session the coachee.

Effective feedback

To offer effective coaching

To ensure that this is achieved coaches commit to operate in accordance with the Association’s Code of Ethics and Good Coaching Practice for ethical, competent and effective practice and by following a code of ethics it provides the broad principles and values to which coaches subscribe. These include confidentiality and the utmost concern for the welfare and success of the coachee. Secondly, it provides rules for coaches to use in many of the specific situations that a coach might encounter. Finally, this Code is meant to serve as a building block for the ethical and moral standards of coaches. While each individual coach agrees to follow this Code, they are encouraged to supplement and add to it in order to build a lifelong commitment to building an ethical workplace and profession. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that Coachees are fully informed of the coaching contract in the form of a written