As we near the end of what, by all accounts, has been a tough year, many leaders are hoping to realize efficiencies and ensure maximum effectiveness wherever possible. This includes getting the most out of each and every employee. Because of this, the world of coaching continues to have a broader and more impactful role in helping organizations develop their key talent – but what IS a coach, and how do you work with one?
Coaching
The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as a partnership between a Coach and Coachee in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the Coachee to maximize their personal and professional potential. It is designed to facilitate the creation and development of goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals.
The aim of any coaching relationship is to help the Coachee shift the way they see and thus act in their personal and/or professional world. The desired outcomes vary from Coachee to Coachee, given their own personal goals and concerns.
Coach Responsibilities
The Coach and Coachee work together to explore what is possible and promote the discovery of new insights. Both parties enter into the coaching arrangement as equals.
A Coach will provide open and honest feedback and be a sounding board for the Coachee. They will facilitate Coachee insights and learning, help the Coachee clearly identify developmental objectives, and partner with the Coachee to transform their learning and insights into action. Throughout the process the Coach helps the Coachee navigate challenges to continue along the path towards the end goal.
LAK Group Coaches abide by, and uphold, the ethical guidelines of the coaching profession as defined by the International Coach Federation (ICF). They also respond to the Coachee’s agenda, goals and needs for the relationship rather than imposing a direction or agenda of their own.
Coachee Responsibilities
The Coachee is the individual receiving coaching. They will engage in, and sustain, a successful coaching relationship by agreeing to communicate honestly, being open to feedback and assistance, and to creating the time and energy to participate fully in the program.
The Coachee also is responsible for their own learning and growth. They should make specific requests when their needs are not being met in the coaching relationship, including sharing with the Coach any concerns or discomfort they have about the coaching relationship, specific interactions between themselves and the Coach, and their general experience of coaching.
Sponsor / Manager Responsibilities
The Sponsor / Manager is the person who oversees the development and work of the Coachee during the coaching engagement. This may be the direct leader, another sponsor or a functional supervisor who regularly observes the Coachee in their work setting. Typically, the Sponsor takes part in periodic conversations with the Coach and Coachee to set goals and expectations and provide ongoing feedback and support to the Coachee.
If this role is applicable, the Sponsor / Manager will share specifics about the Coachee’s development opportunities with both the Coach and Coachee. Additionally, the Sponsor will approve and support the objectives of the coaching process, assist the Coachee in achieving their goals as identified in their Individual Development Plan (IDP), preserve confidentiality and follow through on commitments made as part of the coaching process.
Engaging a Coach
LAK Group can help you make sure you have the right talent in the right seats within your organization, and we can help your talent reach their highest potential. Click here to find out more about our coaching offerings, or fill out our online form so we can learn more about how we can best meet your coaching needs.