Managers who realize that the standard models of communication are not always effective in today's multigenerational, diverse, and mobile workforce can benefit from refreshing their mental models about how best to develop those employees who report to them. While not wishing to complete the rigorous path to Leadership Coach Certification, they would like to understand and develop the skills that are grounded in the theories and communication techniques of the professional coach. This two-session course is intended to meet this need.

The Manager as Coach program will increase the manager's understanding and skill in using critical coaching skills in developing employees. Participants will learn how to use these skills to increase the effectiveness of conversations with employees at all levels of performance, competence, and commitment. This understanding will strengthen the manager's ability to positively impact employee competency, engagement, and retention, all of which are critical to an organization's ability to sustain success. The skills developed in this program are transferable to all relationships at work; participants will increase their conversational effectiveness overall. At the conclusion of the Manager as Coach program, participants will be able to:

• Co-create development plans for employees who strive for excellence
• Understand and demonstrate the theory and skills of an effective coach
• Intentionally listen at deep levels
• Develop excellent questions based on deep listening and curiosity
• Give and receive feedback
• Demonstrate skill and flexibility in guiding employee conversations to assist them in accepting their role in their own development and satisfaction.
• Increase skill and knowledge in engaging in coaching conversations to employees who represent the broad range of performance and engagement levels.
• Determine resources to continue developing their coaching skills

Format:

This program is comprised of two, 2-day sessions. The second session is scheduled approximately 45 days after the initial session. This will allow participants to practice new concepts, self-observe, reflect on learnings, and identify challenges/questions for additional training and coaching.

Course time will involve a combination of lecture, learning activities, and practice sessions. These classes will be presented by 2-3 different instructors who will each bring a unique perspective and experience to the classroom. Pragmatics, discovery, and engaged learning are emphasized in this program.

Following the initial class, participants will be required to identify an employee or situation that will be the focus of the manager's effort to develop and apply his or her coaching skills. Each class will also include time in a small Work Group of 5 or 6 participants. The Work Group will be led by an experienced coach and will allow participants to dialogue, consult to each other, and create approaches to resolve specific business concerns or problems. Each participant will also receive 2 hours of individual coaching provided by the Work Group coach.