3 Positives
Motivation and Energy - Good coaching should lead to ACE - actions, clarity and energy. After the session I had two tasks that I needed to action (this post is one of them) before my next coaching session. I like the fact that I have a deadline to keep me on track and that I am working towards a goal that is personal but also helping me to achieve the mandatory goals that are part of my role at MRPS. I did leave the session feeling energised about my next steps because the next steps were suddenly clearer. Prior to the session the next steps were part of a big cloud of thoughts all jumbled in my head.
Setting I SMART Goals - I really like the way that the goals within coaching are framed. The I SMART framework provides a clear and attractive end point for goal setting.
Inspiring
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results driven
Timebound
By __________, I am/have _____________ so that _____________________________________.
I have used this framework already very successfully with my own team.
2 Challenges
Too many goals? - The nature of how teachers lead and learn in this day and age means that we are constantly reflecting on our practice. One thought I have had about coaching is whether it creates too many goals on top of those that you have already set as part of your teacher inquiry.
Time - I know, I know, teachers are always talking about time as a challenge but it really is! At times I feel anxious about the time that coaching may take away from the day-to-day tasks I need to get done as a leader and a learner. Coaching takes time and while I do see it as valuable, only time will tell whether it is value added to what I am currently doing. I am glad that we have been given release for our first session, long may this last.
1 Wondering
How will my first session as a coach go? - Thursday will be my very first coaching session as a coach with a member of my team. I feel quite nervous about it. I wonder if the coachee will think it is helpful or just a way of building my leadership. I wonder whether the coachee will expect me to have all the answers. I wonder/hope I don't talk too much (a good coach talks for 20% of the time and listens for 80%). I wonder if we will both walk away feeling ACE?