Nursing homework help| Nursing homework help
Coaching for Unending Change by Porter-O’Grady and Malloch outlines key strategies for effective coaching. Power, knowledge and self-image are four common barriers that prevent effective coaching. Here are some strategies to overcome each of these barriers in the healthcare setting.
- Usage of Power: Using power to create a dynamic that is dominated by the coach can be detrimental for effective coaching. Coaches can overcome this obstacle by using empowering techniques to shift focus from themselves onto their coachee. To achieve this, coaches can use open-ended questioning to encourage their coachees to respond and think. The coachee can take control of the discussion and the coach is able to help them achieve their goals. For example, if a nurse is struggling to manage their workload, a coach might ask, “What tasks do you find most challenging to complete during your shift?” This question allows the nurse to identify their specific issues and work with the coach to create a plan to address them.
- Self-Image. Self-image can be a barrier for coaching, as people may not want to hear feedback which challenges their own self-image. This barrier can be overcome by coaches who create a non-judgmental and safe coaching environment which emphasizes development and growth. To achieve this, one strategy is to give positive feedback which acknowledges both strengths and areas of improvement. For example, if a physician is struggling with communication, a coach might say, “You have excellent clinical skills, and with some additional coaching, you can become an effective communicator.”
- Knowledge: When a coachee does not have the required skills or knowledge to accomplish their goal, they may experience a barrier in terms of knowledge. Coaches can combat this barrier by providing targeted coaching and education that is tailored to the coachee’s specific needs. To achieve this, simulation-based learning can be used to reinforce important concepts and skills. If a nurse has difficulty responding to an emergency situation, the coach can use simulation scenarios to practice the response. This will help them develop their skills and be prepared for future situations.
- The coachee may have difficulty identifying the cause of their problem. The coach can overcome this obstacle by utilizing coaching techniques which encourage critical thinking, problem solving skills and creativity. One strategy to achieve this is to use the “Five Whys” technique to explore the root cause of a problem. For example, if a nurse is experiencing high levels of stress, a coach might ask, “Why are you feeling stressed?” The coachee’s response might be, “Because I have too much work to do.” The coach would then ask, “Why do you have too much work to do?” and continue asking “Why” until they have identified the root cause of the problem.
Coaches must be aware and overcome common obstacles, such as those related to power, image, knowledge and problem-solving. Using the above strategies, coaches create a coaching environment which is safe and empowers coachees to achieve their goals.