How to Be a Great Coach

Zoe Allen · October 9, 2024

Next Live Workshop Dates

Workshop: Building the Foundations of Coaching Excellence

đź“… Wednesday, 12 February 2025

In this session, participants will explore what coaching is—and what it isn’t—by understanding its core principles, structure, and mindset. We will focus on key elements of effective coaching conversations, including the power of open questions and active listening. Through practical exercises, participants will apply these foundational techniques to real coaching scenarios.

Field of Study: Personal Development (2 CPE Credits) 2 CPD Hours

Workshop: Mastering the Art of Coaching Conversations

đź“… Wednesday, 19 February 2025

This session takes a deeper dive into structured coaching models, particularly the GROW model. Participants will learn to set effective SMART goals, develop accountability, and overcome challenges that arise during coaching. Interactive role-play exercises will help participants build confidence in facilitating coaching conversations that lead to meaningful outcomes.

Field of Study: Personal Development (2 CPE Credits) 2 CPD Hours


Course Overview

What we Cover:

  • Core Coaching Principles:
    • Non-judgmental, non-directional coaching
    • Belief that the coachee holds the answers
  • Key Coaching Skills:
    • Open questions (What, How)
    • Active listening and the 80/20 rule
    • Goal setting using SMART techniques
  • Structured Coaching Models:
    • The GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will)
  • Practical Application:
    • Breakout groups and role-playing exercises

The challenges:

  • Overcoming the urge to provide solutions or advice
  • Moving from “listening to respond” to “listening to understand.”
  • Addressing resistance or unclear goals from the coachee
  • Developing trust and creating an open, supportive environment

The Barriers:

  • Misunderstanding what coaching is (confusing it with mentoring or consulting)
  • Asking closed or leading questions
  • Struggling with judgment or believing there’s a “right” answer
  • Difficulty setting clear, actionable goals

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Explain what coaching is and its role in professional and personal development
  • Use core coaching techniques, such as open questions and active listening
  • Apply the GROW model to guide coaching conversations effectively
  • Set SMART goals to ensure progress and accountability
  • Avoid common pitfalls, such as giving advice or using judgmental language
  • Build confidence and trust in facilitating coaching conversations

Business Benefits:

  • Develop a coaching culture that empowers employees to find their own solutions
  • Improve leadership skills and communication across teams
  • Increase productivity and accountability through clear goal setting
  • Foster stronger relationships by enhancing active listening and trust-building
  • Enable employees to navigate challenges with confidence and self-awareness


Course Facilitator

Oliver Deacon

Course Facilitator

Oli is an ICAEW FCA based out of the UK and a PCC-certified coach with ICF. He is also a former Microsoft Finance Director, where he business partnered marketing, product and software engineering teams with a $4.5BN P&L.



Prerequisites: No Prerequisite knowledge is required to be successful in this course

Advanced Preparation: No advanced preparation is required

Program Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based


Module Content

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About Instructor

Zoe Allen

46 Modules

Not Enrolled
or 4

Module Includes

  • 1 Topic
  • 1 Lesson