Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been focusing in on coaching skills for leaders. A reminder that we can also build coaching skills on the part of the team members we work with. In fact, peer coaching can be a powerful tool for teams, and groups, to leverage.
Core peer coaching skills to foster:
1. Asking great questions. You may want to revisit the Baker’s Dozen post earlier this week or some of the many questions we’ve posed over the past six months. Powerful coaching questions are typically short (5-6 words), are open-ended, and seek to expand understanding or support action.
As I’ve written in past posts, WHAT questions often open up the largest terrain. How questions may put people into a process mindset (HOW CAN I DO THIS) which may get people stuck. WHY questions may put people on the defensive.
2. Listening deeply - Really being present and listening to their colleagues, with out judgement and interruption
3. Knowing when to jump in with advice - Coaching is not advice giving. As peers you may have valuable insights to offer. If you are tempted to jump in with advice, ask if this is wanted/valued.
4. Really being present - In today’s pressure pot of business, it’s invaluable to have a moment to pause and reflect and also be heard. Really being present is key for success.
5. Support for accountability - Peer pressure can be a positive thing when used as a support for accountability around goals you, yourself, have set. How can you hold each other accountable for the actions and commitments you have set for yourself?
What other peer coaching skills would be useful in equipping your team members with?
Core peer coaching skills to foster:
1. Asking great questions. You may want to revisit the Baker’s Dozen post earlier this week or some of the many questions we’ve posed over the past six months. Powerful coaching questions are typically short (5-6 words), are open-ended, and seek to expand understanding or support action.
As I’ve written in past posts, WHAT questions often open up the largest terrain. How questions may put people into a process mindset (HOW CAN I DO THIS) which may get people stuck. WHY questions may put people on the defensive.
2. Listening deeply - Really being present and listening to their colleagues, with out judgement and interruption
3. Knowing when to jump in with advice - Coaching is not advice giving. As peers you may have valuable insights to offer. If you are tempted to jump in with advice, ask if this is wanted/valued.
4. Really being present - In today’s pressure pot of business, it’s invaluable to have a moment to pause and reflect and also be heard. Really being present is key for success.
5. Support for accountability - Peer pressure can be a positive thing when used as a support for accountability around goals you, yourself, have set. How can you hold each other accountable for the actions and commitments you have set for yourself?
What other peer coaching skills would be useful in equipping your team members with?
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized - Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching Skills Training for Leaders
Supporting Team Leaders One Conversation at a Time(TM)
Consider joining us for an upcoming Teams365 Team Leader Coaching Group
Or the Teams365 Leader Foundations starting on August 7th
Phone: (416)996-8326
Potentials Realized - Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching Skills Training for Leaders
Supporting Team Leaders One Conversation at a Time(TM)
Consider joining us for an upcoming Teams365 Team Leader Coaching Group
Or the Teams365 Leader Foundations starting on August 7th
Phone: (416)996-8326
RSS Feed
