4. Give Information
Principles of Coaching
Sometimes the young person cannot reach a decision because he does not have all the facts. For example, they may not know the resources that could be used such as family or career guidance in school. Find out if the young person needs or wants information and give it if you can. Make sure that it is balanced and accurate and that it is information and not advice.
1. Listen
This sounds easy but it is often hard to put into practice. Think of your own experience. You have probably talked to someone and had the feeling that you were listened to and were understood. On the other hand, you have probably talked to someone who gave you the feeling that they did not care to listen or understand. To avoid such a situation simply listen attentively. Give an individual your undivided attention when they are talking to you. This will let them know you are willing to give time and care about what is being said. If you do not understand fully what is being said, keep listening.
5. Encourage Thinking of Different Approaches
Ask the young person if they can think of anything else that could be done in the particular situation. Most of us when we are faced with some kind of issue that is important to us have trouble thinking. We become confused. We settle on one approach and cannot come up with others. Encourage thought: if the young person is unable to think of other approaches you may be able to suggest some, bearing in mind that they must decide which to use. Looking at the problem in a variety of ways may help the individual feel less trapped.
2. Avoid Giving Advice
Guidelines for responding in coaching
The person in question will probably ask for advice and you might be tempted to supply it. The only thing is the advice you give is quite likely to be wrong and unsatisfactory for the person, no matter how good it sounds to you. In the long term young people will be helped best to mature and to be able to make realistic decisions for themselves, by being encouraged to think things through rather than have answers pushed at them.
These are only guidelines for responding. You will have to use them in your own way. You cannot memorize words to say which will fit any situation. Each situation is different. There is no magic formula. Coaching depends on the relationship between two individuals. 1. Restate – Restate briefly the person’s words in your own way. ‘If I understand you correctly you propose doing this activity but the rest of the Patrol does not agree…’
3. Summarise The Problem
You may want to do this several times while the individual is talking. You will be most effective if you summarise in your own words to make sure you understand. This also helps the person check on what they are telling you.
2. Mention and Accept Feelings – When someone comes with a problem or complaint he is likely to have some strong feelings about the matter. It does not do any good to tell him he should not feel in a certain way. He does, and you cannot do
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