Will Your Career and Your Organization Benefit From Coaching?
Every leader can benefit from coaching – from novice to expert. Nursing leaders are no exception. Letʼs face it – these are difficult jobs. Having an unbiased coach who assures absolute confidentiality can be a tremendous resource in exploring new ideas, or in discussing how to deal with difficult problems.
At the onset of the engagement, a Coaching Agreement is established between the coach and coachee. Critical elements of the Agreement include, but are not limited to; clarifying professional and personal goals, setting priorities, creating action plans and strategies that get results, staying focused and productive, measuring and tracking results, and disseminating information regarding successful achievements.
Common components of coaching plans include the following:
- Improving leadership skills;
- Enhancing interpersonal skills and relationships with others;
- Improving communication skills;
- Evaluating effective techniques to manage time and other valuable resources;
- Learning how best to move through obstacles or challenges;
- Understanding project development and management; and,
- Creating strategies to improve culture or staff morale.
Kirby Bates Associates coaches work confidentially with individuals on a one-on-one and/or in group and team settings. Regular coaching sessions are scheduled either in person, by phone or electronic meeting, or both. Goals and milestones are tracked, results are documented, and reassessment of the coaching plan is completed. Once the formal coaching agreement has concluded, the KBA coach stays connected through periodic check-ins. One important role of the coach is that of objective third party sounding board. KBA coaches continue to be available to explore new ideas or discuss new developments.