Creating a Safe Coaching Environment: A Guide for Organizations

Organizations that prioritize respect, curiosity and responsibility in their culture can reap the rewards of a coaching culture. This type of environment can reduce staff turnover, increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Coaching is a process of creative exploration that requires a strong relationship, clear intention and effective communication. It is not therapy, but rather a tool to help employees open up and talk about their goals in a safe and trustworthy environment.

Powerful questioning is an essential part of coaching, as it helps to uncover the information needed to get the most out of the coaching relationship and for the client. Training involves giving advice, direct instructions and offering solutions, while coaching facilitates a more empowering and self-directed approach to behavior change. Organizations should ensure that their employees have the freedom to opt out without punishment in order to create a safe environment. Coaching is now described as a culture that organizations are developing to foster passion, openness and curiosity.

People often think that coaching is too emotional, but this is not the case. Michelle has more than 20 years of executive management experience in technology and is passionate about helping people who are going through a transition with wellness and training. I know first-hand what the coaching culture feels like in an organization, after having worked in a multinational conglomerate for the past 17 years. When managers adopt coaching as a process of creative exploration with their employees, all parties feel open, safe and reliable. A coach merely reformulates what he hears in the service of the coach to encourage self-reflection, literally, like a mirror.

More than just a practical tool, coaching is a skill, a mindset and a learning vehicle. Organizations should strive to create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable talking about their goals with coaches. This will help them achieve their objectives in a fixed period of time. By incorporating the values of respect, curiosity and responsibility into their culture, organizations can benefit from the advantages of having a coaching culture.