Coaching and Mentoring – Tip Sheet

Central to any effective coaching relationship is trust, which can be hard earned and easily lost. It is the currency of coaching practice.

Trust is built over time through the consistent demonstration of character and competence. Nonetheless, new relationships can also prosper whilst trust is established.

Character and competence can be demonstrated through:

• Purpose – identifying the motive for developing a coaching relationship
• Principles – the ethics that frame and guide the coaching relationship
• Passion – enthusiasm and commitment for the coaching process and its benefits
• Performance – ability to facilitate the coaching process.

Here are a few tips for building trust in a coaching relationship:

• Establish the purpose and principles for developing a coaching relationship
• Demonstrate self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EI)
• Be present and focus on the person you are coaching – avoid distractions
• Be procedural, clinical, logical and analytical
• Affirm strengths that promote self-efficacy and self-determination
• Demonstrate accountability
• Maintain confidentiality.