subject: Defining Elements of a Coaching/Mentoring Environment That supports Emerging Leadership [print this page] Health and Balance In all activities attention is given to the health and balance of each individual and the group as a whole.
Consistency There is great value when people commit to a learning journey together, support each other and commit to periods of reflection and alignment.
Small Group / Whole Group Learning happens and voices are heard best when groups are small. Small-group learning is enhanced by whole-group experiences such as reflection circles, OST, World Caf and planning meetings. Whole group experiences can also include rituals to honor important milestones for individuals and for the group.
Invitation A permanent invitation to its participants to access their individual gifts, strengths, and passions. The roles and responsibilities grow in large part out of these unique gifts. Our work originates not in external requirements, but in what individuals care about, know, and have interest in.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authority Teams and individuals develop a clear, shared understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Responsibility and authority go hand-in-hand -- a person or group who is responsible for a particular outcome has the authority to be creative and resourceful in achieving that outcome.
Opening and Holding Space This is a way of leadership, a way of facilitation. There are many leaders in a department. Leaders "open space" by inviting others to engage in an activity around a particular theme or goal, and by defining the parameters. They "hold space" by being open, available, and responsive to whatever emerges from the group or individual (while paying attention to their own process).
Self-Directed Learning Activities invite participants to make free, autonomous choices about their own learning. This can mean choosing activities, choosing mentors, choosing how to approach a challenge.
Reflection Reflection is a key component of both individual and group learning. Time for individual reflection and the practice of meaningful conversation one on one coaching, deliberative dialogue such as talking circles are a part of every activity. Voicing and hearing a diversity of perspectives is critical for learning and for wise decision-making.
Decision Making In healthy environment, individual and group decisions are made all the time. A clear, shared understanding of roles and responsibilities provides the parameters for these decisions.
Mistakes The commitment to reflection and learning creates a setting where mistakes are opportunities for growth, and integral to the learning process.
Growth Process An environment to encourage leadershipsupports and encourages transformational growth. This dynamic growth process is characterized by self-awareness and awareness of others, self-acceptance and acceptance of others, self-trust and trust of others, engaged application of new learning, engaged building of new relationships, self-reflection on these experiences, and witnessing and learning from the reflection of others. The growth process moves from fragmentation to integration, for each individual as a whole person and for the department as a whole community. An important part of this process is taking responsibility for our own growth, respectful communication (including use of appropriate humour) and the impact of our actions on others.
Everyone Learns The department is clear on its purpose. While all in the department each have unique roles and responsibilities, we believe that all of us share in the same growth process. This shared space provides a rich common ground for the dynamic process of co-mentoring.
Defining Elements of a Coaching/Mentoring Environment That supports Emerging Leadership
