A behavioral health example of employee coaching is highlighted in a PowerPoint by CODAC Behavioral Health Services of Pima County, Inc, Tucson, AZ. In 2001 CODAC initiated the Working, Together! Leadership Development Program, a set of common leadership processes and tools provided to all new managers. Working, Together! has received several awards including an Innovative Practice in Workforce Development from the Program for Recovery and Community Health, Yale University School of Medicine.
 

If no formal training is available on coaching techniques, the “GROW” model of coaching provides some proven techniques to help develop coaching skills. The “Grow” Model provides information on the Goal, Current Reality, Options, Will (GROW) to improve performance. It includes four steps that can be self-taught:

Further information on the GROW Model of Coaching can be found at Mindtools.com.

A featured article on the Web site Ivy Sea Online describes steps supervisors can take to nurture employees and bring out their best. Key to these strategies is focusing on employees’ strengths rather than their weaknesses.

Simple tips on mentoring and coaching can be found at Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies [and at the American Psychological Association Tips for Mentors.