What is strengths-based coaching, and why should we all be using it?
When we think about coaching and the ways in which we can actively engage in our professional development, we are probably thinking about our areas of weakness and the skills we have that are in need of some improvement. Talents we feel we lack may be where we believe the focus should lie.
But how about we flip that on its head? Put aside for the moment the skills where we fall a little short, and look at the areas in which we shine. It may feel quite alien to us, as many of us naturally lean towards the self-deprecating side. But looking at our strengths and the skills at which we excel can be the key to unlocking that all-important potential.
It seems obvious; why focus on the things we’re not that great at when we could focus on our strengths? Strengths-based coaching allows you to pinpoint these all-important assets and utilise them to their potential. Moving the spotlight from the negative areas to the positive is highly beneficial in the long run. Chances are, you gain more enjoyment from the skills in which you are competent, and this is a huge drive for improvement in the future.
Let’s look at the facts.
People who focus on their strengths are:
Three times more likely to report a high quality of life
Six times more likely to be more engaged at work
It’s a simple concept but one that is proven to provide results. A strengths-based coaching approach allows you to become more productive and profitable. It is great for staff morale as it leads to a more amiable workforce, with an improvement in teamwork and, in a school environment, student/teacher relationships. A happy team is a creative team with an increase in creativity and innovative ideas. A coaching culture within a school provides very real results.
The role of the coach is to help individuals discover natural talents. Unearthing the areas where these strengths lie is not always initially obvious to the participant, but this is all part of the process. The encouragement from a coach to determine and explore these talents - and their implementation in future events - is an empowering process. The coach isn’t there to provide answers but rather to equip the participant with the tools to find the answers for themselves.
Creating a coaching culture, particularly in an educational setting, is an excellent way to open up discussions. An environment in which staff can communicate candidly and effectively encourages free-flowing and active conversations. This improvement in communication supports the development of staff, resulting in a strong workforce that is willing and eager to progress and excel.
The Educational Coach is here to HELP you reap the rewards from all things coaching: from 1:1 coaching sessions to the implementation of a coaching structure within your workplace. Contact us for more information.