The Transformative Power of Coaching Conversations

The Transformative Power of Coaching Conversations

By Guest Blogger Linda Gross Cheliotes, ACC and Marceta Fleming Reilly, PCC

Rosa, an assistant principal, was charged by her principal to get their school’s bi-lingual teacher, Ed, to show up on time for work every day. Ed’s personnel file was overflowing with 45 reprimands for his lateness and still he was tardy almost every day. Rosa knew that writing one more reprimand was not likely to change Ed’s behavior and her supervisory style was one of positivity and support for staff.

With her school leadership coach, Rosa explored her options for working with Ed to change his late behavior. She decided that a coaching conversation was in order and that she wanted to start by emphasizing what Ed did well.

The next day, Rosa met with Ed in his classroom and expressed what an outstanding bi-lingual teacher he was. She stressed how well his students learned and how important it was that Ed be with them to provide every possible minute of his extraordinary instruction. She then asked a powerful question. What could Ed do to make sure he arrived at school on time so that his students benefitted from every minute of instructional time? Then, Rosa was intentionally silent and listened to Ed’s response

At first Ed was overcome with emotion because no one had ever acknowledged his excellent teaching skills. He then agreed that he had a responsibility to provide his students with a full measure of his helpful teaching. Rosa remained silent as Ed listed all of the reasons why he was late. He even attempted to bargain with Rosa by stating that he would try to be on time four days each week. Rosa still remained silent.

Finally, Ed stated that his students deserved more than 80% timeliness from him. Ed resolved to show up EVERY day on time. Rosa thanked Ed for his dedication and helped him work out a plan so that he would be successful in his promise to his students and to himself.

For the three remaining months of school, Ed kept his promise to be on time for work every day. Moreover, his teaching colleagues began to notice a more positive energy around Ed and his willingness to join their teaching team activities.

As a result of just one 30 minute coaching conversation with him, Rosa helped Ed totally change both his attitude about timeliness and his actual behavior.

What transformations have you witnessed through the use of coaching conversations?

About the Authors:
Linda Gross Cheliotes, Ed.D, ACC and Marceta Fleming Reilly, Ph.D, PCC are co-authors of the published book, Coaching Conversations: Transforming Your School One Conversation at a Time (Corwin Press, 2010). Linda and Marceta are also highly experienced school leaders and currently credentialed coaches by the International Coach Federation.