Coaching skills

Coaching is part of on-the-job training, and it is very important in terms of individual and team development, imparting knowledge and skills, influencing attitudes and behaviour, and improving efficiency and effectiveness. As a general rule coaching operates on a one-to-one basis. As a part of their supervisory and officer development roles, sergeants and inspectors regularly coach officers, perhaps without even realising that they are doing so. Sometimes, however, a more structured and more intensive coaching session is required. For example, where there are new or complicated procedures to be learned or where officer development justifies it. All training comes at a premium in terms of time expended and absences from the operational arena. Therefore, sergeants and inspectors should make judgements on when more formal coaching is required, the effort involved, and when, where and for how long a session(s) will last (i.e. maybe a couple of hours, half a day or a whole day depending upon circumstances). Coaching is a continuous process in the workplace and not just a one-off process. Success will be measured in terms of increased operational effectiveness.