Module 1 – Coaching Foundations
This module establishes what coaching is, where it is most useful and how it can support clearer thinking, ownership and action.
- Defining coaching
- Understanding what coaching is not
- Identifying appropriate opportunities for coaching at work
- Coaching as a way to strengthen ownership and performance
- The difference between coaching and giving advice
Module 2 – Core Coaching Skills and Behaviours
Participants develop the communication skills that form the foundation of effective coaching conversations.
- Active and focused listening
- Asking effective questions
- Using open and thought-provoking questions
- Making effective use of silence
- Creating space for the other person to think
- Behaviours that support productive coaching conversations
Module 3 – Coaching Stance and Awareness
This module explores how the coach's own mindset, assumptions and judgement can influence the conversation.
- Coaching stance
- Assumptions and bias
- The effect of judgement on coaching quality
- Self-awareness
- Maintaining a balanced and supportive approach
Module 4 – Addressing Barriers to Coaching
Coaching is not the right response in every situation. This module considers the factors that influence whether coaching is appropriate and likely to be effective.
- Readiness for coaching
- Trust
- Timing
- Organisational and individual context
- Barriers that may limit a coaching conversation
- Recognising when a different approach is required
Module 5 – Trust, Contracting and Constructive Challenge
Participants explore the foundations of an effective coaching relationship, including boundaries, expectations and trust.
- Building trust
- Establishing a clear coaching agreement
- Clarifying roles and boundaries
- Applying ethical judgement
- Using constructive challenge
- Providing feedback
- Clarifying expectations and responsibilities
Module 6 – Coaching Frameworks
Participants explore practical coaching frameworks and learn how to use them as flexible tools rather than fixed scripts.
- The purpose of coaching frameworks
- Structuring different types of coaching conversations
- Selecting an approach that fits the context
- Adapting frameworks with flexibility
- Applying professional judgement during coaching
Module 7 – Turning Insight into Action
This module focuses on helping people move from reflection and insight towards clear goals and practical action.
- Reframing issues
- Clarifying goals
- Exploring options
- Identifying actions
- Strengthening commitment
- Agreeing clear next steps
Module 8 – Coaching Today and Beyond
The final module considers how coaching can become part of everyday leadership and workplace communication rather than being limited to formal coaching sessions.
- Coaching in everyday workplace conversations
- Coaching as part of leadership
- Coaching in performance discussions
- Coaching in development conversations
- Supporting a coaching culture
- Transferring learning into the workplace
Practical Learning
The course is strongly practice-based. Participants work with situations that reflect the kinds of conversations they are likely to encounter in real workplace settings.
Practical activities include:
- Listening and questioning exercises
- Coaching conversation simulations
- Realistic workplace scenarios
- Contracting and boundary-setting practice
- Reframing exercises
- Goal-setting and action-planning activities
- Peer feedback
- Group discussion
- Development of a personal coaching toolkit
The aim is not simply to learn a coaching model, but to develop the judgement and confidence to choose the right approach, help others think more effectively and support greater ownership and action.
