Finding your authentic style in coaching

In this vlog, we ask Faye Price, participant on our Coaching with Head, Heart & Soul programme what it’s like being on the programme.

A transcript of this film is below.

Why did you choose this programme?

I've always had a keen interest in coaching. I think my early experiences of it were way back in my earlier career when I saw more executive leaders participate in coaching programs. And I always wondered kind of what went on…What does a coaching relationship really mean? Look like? Where does it get somebody? And that kind of captured my interest initially.

But then I guess doing the job that I do - which is all about working with people and helping people be the best versions of themselves at work - I think when you overlay that with the way our culture encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work, and to embrace the personal life as much as their professional life, something really clicked for me in how I could play a part in supporting someone else's journey.

And the fact that at BTG we're able to work closely with Oasis and access this program was a really big win and something that was really interesting to me.

And then I've had the experience of being coached by one of our internal coaches, which again was an amazing experience. And seeing her journey through the program and beyond gave me the confidence to think that's something I'd really want to have a go at as well.

How would you describe the programme?

Collaborative and like a shared experience and learning. And it isn't that anyone is better, or bringing something better, or different to anyone else, it's just that we're all in it together and that feels like a shared experience. So I would say supportive would be a standout word for me.

What did you want to get from the programme?

There was quite a lot of prep or reflection that was required of me prior to going on the course, which I think got me into the right head space, enabled me to really think about what I was embarking upon, what that meant for me, which helped me tap into who I wanted to be as a coach straight away.

The reflection that's required of you on the programme is really important and a key part

of it, because it's about being authentic. And I don't think you can truly be a great coach if you're not being true to yourself. And I think what the program does so well is really help you tap into that and to find who you are as a coach and encourages that.

It isn't just about a cookie cutter mould of coaching, it's finding your unique style within that. And I think that's a big part of what the programme is about and has helped me, I think, on my personal journey of becoming a coach.

What do you do differently since being on the programme?

You do do a lot of learning on the program -not just about coaching styles, but about behaviours, where people might be coming from, different perceptions people have. And I think that I'm always alive to or trying to clock that in the everyday work that I do, and trying to tap into how I can improve my own coaching style through just my day job.

Whether that's noticing people differently, picking up on body language, tone of voice, all the nuances that go with personal interactions. And I pay attention to that more so probably than I ever did. I was always kind of okay with that, but I think this has really helped me take it to the next level and it's also really encouraged me to keep up with my learning and be curious, go out, read the books, listen to the podcasts, hear from other people's experiences of coaching, just to kind of continue to get a different perspective and help me with my learning going forward.

Would you recommend the programme?

I see coaching as a really important and integral part of anyone's development, and to be able to

support someone achieve their goals, help them help themselves, is a real gift and a privilege.

And I think that the program absolutely delivers in enabling you to find your own style and be the best coach you can be, in a really safe, supportive environment.

So I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

Faye Pice