Self-Awareness leads to higher Emotional Intelligence and more thoughtful approaches to situations in the workplace where their reaction determines the outcome.  Helping your teams to become thoughtful and self-aware can lead to healthier workplace cultures and can cultivate more positive workplace relationships.

Suggested Strategy:

• Determine what you would like this person to be self-aware of.  What is it that you would like them to improve on and then coach to the awareness of that improvement.

Suggested Questions:

• Permission-Based Question + The Sword:  Use the words: we, share, opportunity, perception, permission as well as the sword.  For example:  “With your permission, and so that I don’t make an assumptions because that would be unfair to you, I would like to share some observations that I have made, as well as some opportunities that we can take advantage of to help you….”   When permission is granted, use a phrase like, “it is my perception that (insert what you have observed here).”

• Opposite Insertion Question:  What will you do to positively/successfully/energetically _____?  Use whichever word fits the behavior that you would like to plant a seed with this person regarding what you are coaching them to be self-aware of.

Suggested Activities:

• Whiteboard Coaching:  Whatever behavior that you would like this person to be self-aware of and improve, have them describe their current behavior regarding that topic.  Then, on the right side of the board, write down their description of the ideal behavior.  Erase the left side of the board and write down what actions this person must take to reach the description on the right side of the board.  Whiteboard Coaching is a great tool in coaching for change, especially with someone that may not know how to change.

Suggested Learning Projects:

• Observational Coaching:  Assign your coaching target to observe one peer that is an expert in what you would like this person to change, or exhibits the behavior you would like this person to take on.  Then have them write in a journal what they will take away from their peer’s actions and implement in their own daily routine.  Be prepared to discuss their observations at your next coaching session.

Supplemental Coaching Strategies:

• Non-Verbal Coaching:  When you notice that this person begins to show awareness and improvement in their current behavior and makes strides toward the desired behavior, write them a hand-written note and leave it on their desk telling them specifically what they are doing well and why it is appreciated.

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