Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal. During a coaching session, a coach will use various tools to encourage their client to take steps towards a better state of being. These tools are often grouped into specific categories. The most common positive psychology coaching techniques are derived from positive psychology research.
Ask good questions:
The most basic technique is to ask good questions. A good question will help you understand the client’s current state. This is important because you can use the information to help clients achieve their goals. Another useful technique is identifying the negative traits causing the client to lag. This will help you to identify which techniques to utilize to improve performance.
Provide a homework assignment:
Another useful technique is to provide a homework assignment. This will allow the client to practice their new skills. It is also a good idea to watch for signs of success. Taking a good look at your clients’ strengths will also help you to recognize which areas to focus on first. This can also be a useful tool to improve employee engagement.
Encourage the client to be honest with them:
Aside from a good question, another helpful technique is encouraging clients to be honest with them. A coach can help the client to realize that their failures are a learning experience. The coach should also be sensitive to the fact that everyone likes to receive praise and reinforcement. Providing constructive feedback will also improve the client’s sense of accomplishment.
The most important part of a successful coaching session is how the coach conducts the conversation. A good coach will use the right words at the right time. A few techniques include asking the client to state their goal, using exploratory questions, and contextualizing the client’s strengths. A good coach will always be on the lookout for evidence of success.
The biggest advantage of using these tactics is that they apply to the client and other team members. They can lead to increased team accountability, engagement, and team alignment. They can even lead to winning results!
