I have learned that coaching is meant to be motivating and a guide to help others better understand the purpose and best practices of their roles and responsibilities. An effective coach is also an advocate for employees who communicate that they are seeking growth opportunities to their manager/director and/or through the quality and consistency of their work. 

I have learned that effective coaching is based on communication, active listening, and asking the right questions rather than giving direct instructions. Good coaching helps employees reflect, develop solutions, and build confidence while improving performance.

In my work, I plan to apply coaching skills by listening more actively, giving constructive feedback, and asking open ended questions that encourage growth. I also want to focus on supporting others in finding their own solutions rather than immediately solving problems for them.

I have learned that stress management is not about eliminating stress, but about regulating it effectively. Strategies like the Stop, Breathe, Reflect, Choose cycle, mindfulness, and support from others help reduce toxic worry and improve decision-making.

In my work, I plan to use mindful pauses, manage my thoughts during high-pressure situations, and communicate more calmly and effectively. This will help me handle stress better and maintain strong performance.

Understanding how and when to coach is pivotal to keeping employees engaged.

This module has taught me that effective time management is rooted in intentionality and energy management rather than just completing a high volume of tasks. By learning to prioritize high-impact goals, break them into manageable micro-steps, and protect focused work periods through strategies like "batching" and "time-blocking," I can achieve better results with significantly less stress. Moving forward, I intend to apply these principles by aligning my most demanding professional and academic projects with my peak energy hours, while strictly avoiding the "urgency trap" of multitasking and immediate email responses.

The goal that the person being coached should do 90% of the talking really caught me off guard and helped me to understand how to become a better coach. 

Coaching is a developed gift to our employees

Coaching is a continuous learning journey that makes both you and your team better!