Professional Skills
How to use coaching at work
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Coaching at work is unquestionably one of the most powerful staff development tools. It is carried out informally in almost every workplace. This course will enable participants to develop more effective coaching skills in their own work setting. Focused on the role of manager and/or specialist in coaching staff at all levels, it is suitable for those wanting to develop their own coaching skills and for those who want to encourage coaching skill in the wider workforce.
This course will be of benefit to:
- first line and middle managers directly responsible for others at work
- professional staff required to coach others at work.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GB035 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
What you will study
You’ll be guided through a series of key activities that prepare you to undertake a real coaching task. You’ll work at your own pace through study material that will help you to consider the context in which the coaching is required; how to plan for and deliver the coaching session; and also how to undertake a self-assessment of your current skills and abilities as a coach. This process will enable you to complete a final work-based task: carrying out a real coaching task at work and evaluating the outcome.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- understand what coaching is and how it differs from and complements other development processes
- undertake the role of coaching in helping to develop staff at work
- use a range of coaching skills, both in coaching and non-coaching situations.
The strong link between course learning and your work practice creates relevant, enduring and transferable outcomes. It requires no more than 30 hours of your time in total, over whatever period suits you. But the learning is far richer than more expensive one- to three-day workshops. Register online today and start tomorrow – no need to wait!
The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University (OU) from its years of expertise in work-based learning:
- The convenience of accessing its clearly presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever suits you and wherever you have access to the dedicated website – if you prefer, you can print key materials to work on them offline.
- The support of an expert learning adviser who can clarify study materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs.
- A work-based activity that helps you to connect the course to your individual and organisational context and needs. This is built up from short activities during the course, leading to a Personal Development Plan. At the end of the course you send this to the learning adviser, who provides personal feedback.
- Certification of completion from the OU for those who complete the course. You can use this to demonstrate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (N.B. The course does not carry academic credit points.)
Entry
Although there are no formal academic requirements to study any of our CPD courses, you are expected to have some experience in the field and the course assumes a familiarity with the subject.
For each course you can register and begin at any time during the life of the course. You can study at your own pace and submit your work-based activity at any date before the final submission date for the course. Information about the final submission date is available when you register for the course.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The study materials are delivered wholly online. Learners who use screen readers or who cannot use a mouse will not be able to access some material or some activities without assistance. Written transcripts of the audio interviews are available on the website. If you are a new learner with the OU, make sure that you have our publication Meeting Your Needs.
Study materials
What's included
All learning materials, exercises, study support and work-based activity are delivered entirely online.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Learner support
Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you direct within 24 hours. Other support is available via the GB085 forum, library, StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
Work-based activity
The work-based activity for this course involves the preparation of a presentation, report or personal development plan based on the key activities undertaken throughout the course. Submitted at the end of the course this will allow you to reflect on your learning and how to use it in your professional work.
Professional recognition
Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing an OU certificate. You can use the certificate to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or a professional body.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GB035 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Study explained
- Special fee arrangements
- - the OU has relationships with many professional bodies, and as part of those relationships members may be entitled to special fee arrangements.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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