How has coaching improved your work since you have been to the LifeBound coaching training? 

It has improved it greatly. When I start having a conversation with someone where I can tell it is going down a brainstorming, questioning, or opinion-wanted path, I quickly and naturally switch gears to coaching mode and go from there. It has become second nature to me.  

What impact has this had on you? On your students?

Coaching has really improved my interactions with students and our faculty. When I am dealing with students, I am able to help them explore their decisions without offering my opinion. The student is able to take ownership in their decision and I have just helped guide them to it. For faculty, when they come to me with an issue, I conduct coaching the same way and we explore their options before they formulate their own decision. It has led to more open-ended responses, which is more beneficial then a closed-ended question.

How has coaching helped you personally and professionally?

Professionally, coaching has made my interactions more effective as I mentioned above. Personally, I catch myself going into “coaching mom” mode when dealing with my children. They come to me with all sorts of questions and I never answer them. I help them explore their question before they formulate a deciiosn. 

How are you working with other Inclusive leaders on your campus to establish a campus-wide culture of coaching?

My colleagues and I communicate regularly on ways for this to become a college-wide communication. It’s a big undertaking and we are in the process of figuring it out.