Generally, when one learns what constitutes key coaching skills there is no major surprise as the concepts seem simple – questioning, listening, clarifying, acknowledging, validating etc. Even as one goes deeper such as empowering questions and intuitive listening, people will still offer a nod of understanding as to what these mean. However execution of these skills does not come as natural and why is that?

The main reason is that effective execution of these simple concepts is counter intuitive to how we are brought up. Although Read more »

By Rachel O’h-Uiginn, Undercurrent Coaching

Part VI of a series of articles focusing on the integration of social media in a coaching practice.

Social media engagement is similar to the art coaching. As a coach, you’re equipped with a tool-set that helps others gain clarity and utilize effectively what you’re able to offer them. For those who might be finding it a challenge to start a social media presence for your practice, here’s a new perspective that encourages you to use what you already know.

Listening: In coaching, we’re most effective when we listen closely and respond appropriately to our client’s needs. In Read more »

We hear much about coaching from a personal and business perspective, but it also can play a key role within our education system.

Coaching by its very nature is about assisting somebody to achieve a desired result; it’s about objective support from a trusted adviser to maximize potential and it’s about helping overcome challenges and creating solutions. So bearing this in mind how might effective coaching skills and methodologies help to enhance the educational process?

Let’s perhaps consider the role of the teacher to best illustrate. Read more »

Jim Collins in his book Good to Great characterized the top leaders as those who possessed Professional Resolve and Personal Humility. During the course of his research into what were the foundational pillars behind truly successful organizations, he found this absolute consistency throughout all the various leaders. But in real terms what does this resolve and humility translate to in terms of skills and behavior. The answer lies in Coaching and Emotionally Intelligence.

Coaching can be divided into two sets of skills. The Inner Skills are characterized by connecting with other people through listening, questioning, acknowledging, validating, Read more »