GISA Presentation

“Recently, the Georgia Independent Schools Association hosted their yearly conference. One such presentation was: “Educational Coaching for Effective School Leadership.” The following information is some of the information shared at the presentation.

C is for Coaching
“Coaching will be the model for future leaders” Warren Bennis.
It Is…
• A word with which you are familiar but an approach you may not know.
• It is an authentic relationship between coach and client
• A method that uses effective questioning and active listening
• It is a confidential conversation between coach and client
It is NOT…
• Therapy, Consulting, or Counseling
• For individuals who need remediation – we’re not fixing anyone.
• Coach-centered but client centered
• A program that ever ends as it is terminal

O is for Opportunities
• Coaching is the most valuable investment a leader can make for themselves and their school
• Coaching signals that a school leader values who they are and can recognize his/her value to the organization.
• Coaching can help the client appreciate the value in others when they can identify their own strengths, areas of improvement, and contributions.
• School leaders can utilize coaching strategies as opportunities to work with various stakeholders in the school community.
• Coaching can fill in the gaps of growth, collaboration, and support to staff members, when school expectations won’t allow the lead school administrator.
• Consider the possibility of becoming an educational coach!

“Most people want less advice but more opportunity to explore their own thinking with a caring coach who is paying attention” (Harvard Business Review).

A is for Advocate
• The coach is a client’s advocate and believes in the client’s potential
• As an advocate of the client, the coach holds the client accountable for his/her plan of action.
• The school leader can be an advocate by acquiring a coach for staff members.
• School leaders can advocate coaching by having the right attitude about its benefits
• Educational coaching provides additional support for the school leader in assisting and providing growth for staff when time and school expectations won’t allow.

C is for Challenges
A skepticism about coaching exists for a number of reasons:
• Coaching not well defined or researched-this particular method of coaching has been in use for over 40 years in business and medical organizations. Education has also begun, utilizing coaching with successful results.
• A lack of understanding on coaching. Comes from business and sports-this method began with the sport of tennis.
• Requires different and new skills for leaders-Not anyone can be a school leader, and not anyone can be a coach as both roles require skills, a desire, and a passion.
• Most people do not confide in others-There are a number of reasons why people won’t share concerns or ideas with others due to fear, misperception, or pride.
• Requires a high level of trust-Trust by the client is beneficial. Knowing that the conversation is client driven, confidential, and without judgment frees the client to speak openly about goals, aspirations, and concerns differently than speaking with a boss.
• Question credibility of coach-Certified coaches especially in the field of education, have an understanding of the unique workings of a school, and school leadership.
• School leadership and control-A belief and trust in coaching is essential as the school leader will not be informed of the conversations taking place with the coach and staff members.
• Return on Investment-“The Denver Post reported that for every dollar spent on coaching, there was a five dollar return on investment.”

H is for Help
• Coaching helps you because everyone benefits – but it all starts with you.
• No organization can be successful without a great leader. Coaching can help school leaders be successful in their roles at school.
• Coaching can not only help you, but anyone the school leader influences can benefit from coaching.
• What school and school leaders do you know that could benefit from coaching?

“There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction” (John F. Kennedy).”