This week in coaching

Every Sunday, I share a newsletter with my list, and amongst other things, I share some of the coaching conversations that I have had. It seems that many of the themes are universal, so I will share those conversations here on the blog.

Questioning Assumptions and Back to Basics

I was coaching a Head of Learning Area in a secondary school this week, and she described 3 staff with very different personalities and how they were challenging her. Lots of ah-ha moments were shared in this coaching session. The HOLA had undertaken an Everything DiSC assessment in the past with me, and we used those results to understand the interpersonal issues within her team.

As a logical, pragmatic and structured "C", she carries an assumption that people will do "the right thing" following the policies and plans.

There is also an assumption that staff will still be motivated by the clear vision they had established as a team early last year (pre-covid) and work according to their group norms of behaviour.

The final underlying assumption was that when a particular staff member was unsure about how to do something - in this case, creating varied assessment types - then the person would automatically read, research and gather information on her own.  We talked about the fact that reading and researching are preferred learning methods for a "Conscientious" DiSC style; however, her staff member was likely to be an "Influence" style, and she would require collaboration and samples she could try and adapt.

Lastly, I shared the notion that all leaders are CRO's - chief reminding officers- and her role is to be constantly reminding her team. Reminding them about;  the vision, the why, the purpose of what they were doing and how that fits into the bigger picture. And just as teachers constantly remind kids of the behaviour expectations (rules) in a classroom, leaders need to constantly review the behaviour expectations for the team AND have processes for everyone holding each other accountable. 

When I asked what the key actions were for the next few weeks, she said; I am going back to basics. At the school development day, I am going to re-share the vision, develop expectations and provide opportunities for collaboration around assessment. 

My final question: how does that make you feel? 

The answer: Oh my goodness ....so much better... I could only see the challenges ... now I see we just need to go back to the basics - and I CAN DO THAT!

 A quick summary of the 4 Primary DiSC Styles

Dominance -A person primarily in this DiSC quadrant places emphasis on accomplishing results and “seeing the big picture.” They are confident, sometimes blunt, outspoken, and demanding

Influence -A person in this DiSC quadrant places emphasis on influencing or persuading others. They tend to be enthusiastic, optimistic, open, trusting, and energetic.

Steadiness -A person in this DiSC quadrant places emphasis on cooperation, sincerity, loyalty, and dependability. They tend to have calm, deliberate dispositions and don’t like to be rushed.

Conscientiousness -A person in this DiSC quadrant places emphasis on quality and accuracy, expertise and competency. They enjoy their independence, demand the details, and often fear being wrong.

If you are curious about coaching or having your own DiSC Assessment just book a free  discovery call 

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