In this unit, you will develop the essential skills of active listening and powerful questioning. Mastering these skills helps you understand your team members better and guide them to find their own solutions.

Active listening, also known as empathic or reflective listening, involves being fully present and focused on the coachee. Pay close attention to what is being said and reflect it back to confirm understanding. Be aware of your own mindset and the coachee's mindset.

• Jake: I feel like I’m drowning in work. I can’t seem to catch up.
• Victoria: It sounds like there's a lot on your plate. What do you think is causing the most stress?
• Jake: I think it’s the constant interruptions. They keep me from focusing on my tasks.
• Victoria: That sounds challenging. How do you think we can reduce these interruptions?

Explanation: In this conversation, Victoria uses active listening and powerful questioning to understand Jake’s situation better. She paraphrases his feelings and asks open-ended questions to explore the root cause of his stress.

Balanced feedback is vital for an effective coaching environment, ensuring that both strengths and areas for development are addressed.

When providing feedback, acknowledge what the coachee is doing well before highlighting areas that need improvement. For example, say, "Your research was thorough, which was great, but let's work on improving your delivery skills to keep the audience engaged." This approach maintains the coachee’s morale while also pointing out areas for growth, fostering a positive and constructive atmosphere.

Consistent practice in coaching builds both your skills and your confidence, and it helps your team members grow.

When coaching someone who faces ongoing tension with a colleague, like Bob, your goal is to explore their feelings and identify strategies for constructive engagement. You might ask, "What do you think could be a constructive way to address your concerns with Bob?" This empowers the coachee to think critically about their approach to resolving conflicts.

By mastering these coaching skills, you will enhance your team’s performance and build stronger, more resilient relationships. Consistent practice will make these techniques second nature, enabling you to support your team effectively.

Get ready for the upcoming role-play sessions where you will apply these skills in real-life scenarios.