To provide an introduction to coaching within the workplace and the skills and knowledge required to develop as a coach.

“You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself”. (Galileo 1564 – 1642)

Coaching is the process of helping someone to enhance or improve upon their performance. This is achieved through reflection on how to apply a specific skill and/or knowledge. For organisations, professions and individuals, continuous development (keeping up with new processes, technologies, techniques and information) is vital, as we have to adapt and alter practices in this rapidly changing world. The process of development is also essential as it is a continuous process of growing and learning; by developing we continuously become more than we were (Thorpe and Clifford 2003).

The use of coaching allows individuals to help colleagues, supporting them through these change processes. If used effectively, coaching should help minimise the impact of change and maximise the opportunity for growth. A successful coach can get the best from their staff and/or colleague, who in turn helps keep the organisation at the forefront of the modern age. This in turn with the Heart of England Foundation NHS Trust means it can continue to provide an excellent standard of healthcare services and continuously to increasing the capabilities of the workforce.

1. Identify what coaching is and how it is used.
2. Analyse the differences between coaching and mentoring.
3. Describe the different learning styles and how they influence adult learning.
4. Evaluate the benefits and barriers to effective coaching.
5. Demonstrate the different questioning techniques, to enhance coaching skills.
6. Identify the concept of ‘feed-forward’.
7. Describe the characteristics of a coach.

1. Formative group and individual discussions; written and verbal feedback; mind-map creation; Question, Pause, Nominate, Answer (QPNA); continuous monitoring throughout the course.
2. Formative group and individual discussions; written and verbal feedback; mind-map creation; Question, Pause, Nominate, Answer (QPNA); continuous monitoring throughout the course.
3. Formative group and individual discussions; written and verbal feedback; mind-map creation; Question, Pause, Nominate, Answer (QPNA); continuous monitoring throughout the course.
4. Formative group and individual discussions; written and verbal feedback; mind-map creation; Question, Pause, Nominate, Answer (QPNA); continuous monitoring throughout the course.
5. Group work; questioning scenarios; group and individual feedback; written and verbal feedback; group and individual discussions
6. Formative group and individual discussions; written and verbal feedback; mind-map creation; Question, Pause, Nominate, Answer (QPNA); continuous monitoring throughout the course
7. Group work; questioning scenarios; group and individual feedback; written and verbal feedback; group and individual discussions.

For staff members in the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, employed in either clinical or non-clinical roles and working with colleagues in an informal ‘coaching’ capacity. Learners could also want to know more about coaching others, in preparation for an increased role with helping others.

3 hours

This training may benefit qualified mentors, looking for further ways of supporting and getting the best from their mentee’s.

Contact - Healthcare Careers Development Unit (HCDU):
(0121 42) 41760 or hcdu@heartofengland.nhs.uk