How peer coaching builds leadership through active listening, inquiry, action and reflection

Pam Toal Amy Erickson

“The most difficult struggles and the most important victories are usually those that individuals win over themselves. By better understanding oneself, one becomes a more effective leader.”

Leadership Lessons and Competencies: Learning from the Kellogg National Fellowship Program.

Source: Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Managers and Leaders. Judith Wilson & Michelle Gislason. CompassPoint Nonprofit Services. 2010

What is coaching?“Unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It’s helping them learn rather than teaching them.”

John Whitmore

What is Peer Group Coaching?

LearningInquiry

Action

Listening

Reflection

Peer circle typesTenure (early career 1-2 years; Mid-

career 2-8 years; Senior executives and directors 8+ years)

Type of positionPeople in career transitionEmerging leaders

Circle Process

Listening

Inquiry

Action

ReflectionLearning

"The Peer Coaching experience has had huge value for our company.” Karen Rhodes, Microsoft’s Global Program Manager of Leadership Development

Leaders are saying…“I am a better leader because of Peer Coaching.  It is a bold statement, but one I hold as true in my heart.  If I had to choose one concept that backs this, it would be that Peer Coaching taught me to be curious, to ask pivotal questions so others can come to their own solutions rather than having all the answers. That is a definition of empowerment....when someone finds their own solution, they own it and they lead.”  Miriam Barnett, Executive Director, YWCA Pierce County, Tacoma, WA

Source: 2011-2012United Ways of

Washington CEO Peer Coaching

Project

experienced increased productivity

92%

experienced improved problem-solving skills

85%

experienced enhanced self-empowerment & assertiveness

85%

experienced new and diverse learnings

93%

experienced increased motivation

84%

experienced stronger skills establishing & achieving goals

100%

Benefits to all circles membersGain foundational coaching skillsReceive individualized attention to your

challengeYour real-life issues are addressedPracticing interpersonal skills development,

communication, coaching, feedback, inquiryFocused reflection timeDemonstration of leadership

More benefits (from Marshall Goldsmith)

Personal development planReduce isolation among leadersTime for innovative thinking!!!Enable leaders to give and receive ideasShare successful practicesEncourage reflective practiceMore cohesive organizational cultureAccelerate leadership developmentEstablish collaborative capacity

“Nonprofits need time and space to explore the power of collective action, foster new connections, build and grow partnerships. Funders also should consider how to help grantees develop the skills, the mindset, and the work habits that enable people and organizations to collaborate effectively.”

Working Better Together ,GEO, September 2013

Investing in Collaborative Leadership

"It's not the answer that enlightens, but the question."  Eugene Ionesco

Thanks for viewing! For more information contact Amy Erickson at amy@capacity4good.com or Pam Toal, pam@toalcoachingandconsulting.com