Fundamentals of Coaching

Overview

This practical 90-minute session introduces the mindset, behaviours, and tools that underpin effective workplace coaching. Participants learn how to move from giving answers to enabling ownership, using a simple five-question framework to hold focused, reflective conversations, even in high-pressure situations. Insight is combined with real-world practice to help participants coach with clarity and confidence in the moments that matter.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. An open mindset and willingness to participate in interactive exercises will enhance the learning experience.

Target audience

Ideal for professionals who want to build foundational coaching skills and lead more empowering, solution-focused conversations in the workplace.

Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Recognize the difference between coaching, advising, and fixing.
• Identify behaviors and mindsets that help or hinder coaching.
• Understand and use a five-question structure for quick coaching.
• Apply the framework to a real-world challenge with confidence.

Outline

• What Coaching Is (and Isn’t): How coaching differs from fixing or advising—and why that shift matters.
• Enablers and Blockers: Mindsets and behaviors that either open up coaching or shut it down.
• The 5-Question Framework: A practical tool for short, focused coaching conversations that build ownership.
• Practical Application: Time to practice the approach and reflect on how to use it in real work moments.

Exams and assessments

There are no formal exams or graded assessments in this course. Learners will participate in practical exercises and reflection tasks to consolidate their understanding.

Hands-on learning

This session includes:

• Short, focused coaching practice using a five-question framework
• Structured partner activities to switch between coach and coachee roles
• Real-world scenarios to strengthen questioning and listening techniques
• Instructor feedback to embed effective coaching behaviors