Coaching Day 2024: An Honest Look at Embedding Coaching
At our recent Coaching Day event on March 8th, we had an engaging 70 attendees from 40 different schools. One of the highlights was the Coaching Case Review. Sitting in a large circle, we took an honest look at the challenges schools face when sustaining coaching initiatives.
We often talk about the successes of coaching, but it's equally important to examine the setbacks—what we call the season of Plateau.
These are times when a school has diligently implemented coaching, only for it to lose momentum down the line. Just like surgeons review cases that didn't go as planned, we looked at one school's journey through the lens of curiosity and a desire to learn, not cast blame.
The school had embedded coaching years ago but lost its way due to leadership changes and shifting priorities. However, one determined individual saw coaching's value and spearheaded efforts to revive it, convincing the school to facilitate coaching courses in-house once more.
Here are some key takeaways from this candid case review and questions to ponder:
1) Senior leadership's buy-in is vital for coaching to thrive, even if they aren't directly leading the charge. When leadership is about to change, ensure that you have the buy-in of the next round of leaders.
Ask yourself:
Who do I need on my side and how can I enrol them early on?
What can I organise for next academic year to ensure coaching is a priority?
2) It only takes one passionate champion within a school to drive coaching forward. While delivering coaching courses and workshops is impactful, sometimes the most powerful way to rekindle coaching is through heartfelt, one-to-one conversations.
Ask yourself:
What qualities and actions define a passionate coaching champion?
What steps can I take to ensure coaching is present, even when formal coaching courses are not being delivered?
3) Schools will invariably go through plateaus with coaching. The nature of these dips varies, but they are a natural part of the journey. Be willing to embrace and learn from these periods. This is time for deep reflection.
Ask yourself:
What can I learn from these periods of stagnation?
What steps can I take to engage in deep reflection?
4) Coaching is a slow burn that requires immense persistence. Because it is cultural it needs proponents continually cheering for it, as it can't succeed on its own.
Ask yourself:
What can I do to maintain my enthusiasm when championing coaching?
How can I work with my senior leaders to create a supportive environment that encourages my efforts as a coaching champion?
We're very grateful to those who contributed to the Coaching Day Case Study. Examining the struggles and successes schools face allows us to forge ahead with greater understanding and resilience. To learn more about our in-person and Live Online events, check out our events page. Here's to more honest discussions about embedding coaching in schools!