Step 2: Understanding the current situation
It is important to understand the context and background to the coaching process. In order to help someone improve you first have to know where they are starting from. There is therefore a need to gather information. This can be from several sources, including the person being coached. As many sources as possible should be used so there is a clear picture of the current situation. Types of information may include:
- Current business situation
- Organisation aims, strategy, structure, culture and values
- Current business performance
- Current personal performance
- Values and beliefs of the individual
- Recent task outcomes
- Specific skill and competence levels
- Personal or business issues
- Working relationships
- Experience
- Personal life.
It is the individual's performance that the coach is trying to improve so much of the information gathered should be focused on assessing current skill levels and performance. This can be done by self-assessment or using tools like 360-degree feedback. Whatever the method, it is important to look for evidence and real examples. Direct observation and listening are key coaching skills during the assessment process.
On the model (see diagram) the aims and current situation are overlapped. This is because in the light of information gathering the aims may need to be tightened or even amended.