Performance Enhancement Coaching

Bawden, M.A., & Rotheram, M.J. (2009). Performance Enhancement Coaching: Applications from Sport Psychology to Education. Paper presented at the Applied Positive Psychology Conference, Warwick University.

 

BACKGROUND: Metaphorics were engaged by Lancashire Education Authority to provide leadership performance enhancement coaching for head teachers whose schools were in challenging circumstances.

 

OBJECTIVES: The key objectives of the coaching were ultimately to improve school performance by working through the leader to increase levels of mental toughness and improve team dynamics using a strengths based approach.

 

METHODS: Metaphorics were engaged by 6 head teachers whose schools were given a notice to improve by ofsted. The coaching process involved 5 sessions lasting 3 hours per session (i.e., Session 1: Profiling and assessment; Session 2: Goal Setting and Objectives; Session 3: Strategies established; Session 4: Review Progress; Session 5: Reflections and Feedback).

 

RESULTS: The head teachers reported increased levels of both self and team awareness coupled with increases in personal mental toughness (resilience and robust self-confidence).  A key component to team effectiveness was identifying and ensuring that staff were playing to their personal strengths.

 

CONCLUSIONS: It is vital that school leaders have access to performance coaches as this allows leaders to focus on both their own performance and that of their team throughout challenging situations.

 

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