coaching

Directive coaching

Purpose of Directive Coaching

📣 Directive coaching is a coaching approach where the coach actively provides specific guidance, advice, and solutions to the coachee.

Directive Coaching opens up a conversation where the coachee doesn’t have to have answers but can ask for examples of how others have approached a similar challenge.

I find as a coach offering advice and sharing examples can trigger ideas and thoughts that the coachee can build up to then make more informed decisions about how to approach a specific issue. It can also alleviate the frustration coachees can feel in pure coaching sessions when they are genuinely stuck.

Key Characteristics of Directive Coaching:

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📍Active Guidance: The coach takes a hands-on role, offering explicit directions and recommendations.

📍Skill Development: Focuses on teaching specific skills or methodologies that the coachee needs to learn.

📍Structured Approach: Utilizes a clear, often step-by-step process to ensure comprehension and correct application.

When to Employ Directive Coaching:

📍Introduction of New Tasks: Ideal when coachees are unfamiliar with a task and require foundational knowledge.

📍Lack of Experience: Beneficial for individuals new to a role or responsibility, providing them with the necessary tools to succeed.

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📍Time-Sensitive Situations: Effective when immediate results are needed, and there limited time for exploratory learning.

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Recognising directive coaching is valuable in certain contexts, over-reliance on this approach can lead to dependency. Coachees might become accustomed to receiving direct solutions rather than developing their problem-solving abilities. Therefore, blending directive coaching with non-directive methods, which encourage self-discovery and independent thinking, can lead to more holistic development.

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In summary, directive coaching serves as an essential tool in the coaching spectrum, particularly suited for situations requiring clear guidance and rapid skill acquisition. When applied thoughtfully, it equips coachees with the necessary competencies to navigate specific challenges effectively.