77 PART FIVE - THE 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Supportive Coach Demonstrates patience In a busy work environment with high demands, patience can be a rare commodity. There is sometimes a perception of weakness if a leader is patient in a fast paced, high demand environment, but patience is often the key ingredient to developing others. Allowing time and space to sort things out for themselves, with gentle encouragement telling them they can, often brings about sustainable change in thinking and behaviour. Is consistent Consistency in words and actions allows others to feel safe and supported. Consistency lets others know they won’t get blindsided or left feeling confused by an exchange. This means that the coach has to have a high degree of awareness as to how their words and actions may be interpreted. Mixed messages and contrary actions create an environment of mistrust and can cause others to pull in and close up. It is important that the coach has an awareness of all they do and say and that it aligns consistently and dependably with others. Is encouraging and acknowledging We talked about encouraging and acknowledging in Part 4 of this program. They are both vital to understand and incorporate into the coaching exchange as they both represent support in a very profound way. Is available and accessible Again, in a busy and fast paced environment with competing priorities, being available and accessible may not always be possible or realistic. Even if that is the case, it is important to remain mindful of this as an important element of support. When people are in a development phase, they often feel there is no place to turn when support is needed. Just letting them know you are available can make an enormous difference. It keeps them from feeling isolated in their development process. Is a collaborative partner As a partner, the coach provides a collaborative environment where there is mutual respect, trust, a willingness to share (both ways), and a safe space to express needs, wants and desires. There is consistent and clear communication that revolves around success for the coachee.
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