Coaching For Behavioral Sustainability
Q: We have probably spent thousands of dollars over the last five years bringing in consultants and trainers into our organisations to help us in a number of change initiatives.
We are quite satisfied with the results these professionals have delivered. The only issue is the sustainability of the change itself. Usually it is good for six to nine months and after that, the old ways keep creeping back, making it necessary for us to refresh and reinforce the change process again and again. If we were to engage a good coach, what differences will there be?
A: An effective coaching engagement has four key characteristics:
- Coaching is targeted at the “big picture” development of the person. This is about stretching the person in ways that will lead to personal effectiveness.
- The changes are lasting. Good coaching does not just scratch the surface. Instead, it goes deep to change the person’s outlook, which helps them gain insights with each experience and then translates them into specific actions that will lead them to the intended goal.
- It is the after-effects of coaching, where the person can carry on without the help of a coach anymore. They have acquired the learning ability to reflect on their experiences, gain insights to grow and keep growing.
- The change in the person is contagious, for as they interact with others, others are also influenced by the change itself. Eventually a sort of coaching culture is built in the organisation.
POWERFUL QUESTIONS
- What do the other intervention methods lack?
- What do you expect from your next change initiative?
- What organisational needs must it serve?
- What will make the change sustainable?