2) Coaching

The effectiveness of coaching is rooted in fundamental beliefs about human potential and growth, as well as key factors that contribute to its success. Understanding these principles can greatly enhance the coaching experience for both coaches and coachees.

Values and Beliefs that Undergird Coaching

1. Capacity for Growth: Individuals have the capacity to learn, grow, and change, and in doing so, maximise their potential

2. Self-Discovery: Empowering individuals to learn and discover for themselves is more effective than a prescriptive approach

3. Personal Responsibility: The individual is often in the best position to understand their needs, discover options, and make choices - they are responsible for their personal change

Important Factors for Successful Coaching

Research has shown that there are a number of factors contributing to successful coaching, which can be broadly classified as: 1) the coaching relationship; 2) the coach's qualities; 3) the coachees' qualities.

1. The coaching relationship: A positive coaching relationship allows the coach to effectively engage and connect with the coachee. This sets the stage for exploring the coachee's underlying concerns, desired goals, and subsequent developmental work.

2. The coach's qualities: Research suggests that the effectiveness, commitment, and professionalism of the coach are key qualities that contribute to the success of a coaching intervention.

3. The coachees' qualities - The success of coaching is also dependent on the coachees' motivation and commitment towards personal development and initiating and sustaining positive behavioural changes.

Adapted from CSC's microsite here (intranet access required)

Embarking on a journey to become a coach is an exciting step in your professional development. This brief guide will walk you through the process of selecting the right training and getting started on your coaching path.

1) Finding the Right Provider

The first step is to select the right training programme. The coaching methodology you learn should resonate with your personal style and professional goals. Start by exploring the International Coaching Federation (ICF) list of accredited training providers available here.

When evaluating potential providers, consider these factors:

1. Accreditation status

2. Programme structure and duration

3. Delivery method (in-person, online, or blended)

4. Coaching methodology and techniques

5. Cost and time commitment

Remember, the best training aligns with your learning style and career aspirations.

2) Embarking on Your Coaching Training

The next step is to consider your options to pursue this training:

1. Agency-Sponsored: Your organisation may offer support for professional development, including coaching training. Approach your HR department to enquire about sponsored coaching training opportunities and discuss how the training aligns with your role and benefits the organisation.

2. Self-Funded: If sponsored options are not available or if you prefer more flexibility in your choice, consider self-funding your coaching training as an investment in your professional growth.

3) Applying Your Skills

Once you have completed your training and obtained your coaching certification, you can apply your skills to support officers' development:

1. Public Service Coaches (PSC): Provide executive coaching at CSC leadership milestone programmes, supporting officers at various stages of their leadership journey. For more information, please contact PSD_LBL@psd.gov.sg.

2. Public Service Career Coach Network (PSCCN): Join the network to provide career coaching and support officers in their career development. For more information, please contact psd_psccn@gov.sg.

Beyond professional coach training, the journey to becoming an effective coach involves ongoing learning and skill refinement. We have curated some resources that you may consider.

1) CSC Workshop

Coaching Skills for Authentic Conversation (Fundamental) (CRCTC10) (For Directors and managers responsible for team development and engagement. No prior coaching experience required.)

2) LEARN Courses

3) Articles

List of resources provided in courtesy of CSC-ILOD.

There are several avenues to seek coaching:

1) Public Service Coaching Programme

The PSCP is intended to support participants’ leadership development and to enhance their effectiveness and impact as a leader within their organisations. This programme is targeted at participants in Director, Senior Director or Assistant/Deputy Chief Executive positions who:

• are transiting to new leadership roles with greater challenges, AND

• are keen and committed to receive 1:1 executive coaching, AND

• are unlikely to receive coaching through other platforms (e.g., CSC leadership and milestone programmes, coaching within own agency)

The PSCP is conducted twice yearly, and nominations are done through HR.

2) Public Service Career Coach Network

The Public Service Career Coach Network (PSCCN) provides coaching for all officers, including supervisors, across different career milestones.

Available coaching topics:

1. Adapting to a New Role

2. Building a Learning Mindset

3. Navigating Mid-Career Switches

4. Retiring Purposefully

5. Conducting Effective Career Development Conversation [Supervisor]

6. Building my Team's Capability [Supervisor]

How to book: Officers may book sessions through the Acuity Booking Page or via the Workpal App.

3) Agency Coaching

Some ministries/agencies may conduct their own coaching programme. You may wish to approach your HR to find out more.