Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring
Overview
Effective coaching and mentoring are powerful approaches for developing people, improving performance, and supporting growth within organisations. This practical one-day course introduces participants to the principles, skills, and frameworks that underpin successful coaching and mentoring relationships.
Participants will explore the differences between coaching and mentoring, learn how to establish effective coaching relationships, and develop the communication skills needed to facilitate meaningful development conversations. Through structured practice, observation, feedback, and reflection, participants will build confidence in applying coaching techniques within their own professional context.
The programme aligns with recognised coaching and mentoring principles and provides practical tools that can be immediately applied to support individuals, teams, and organisational objectives.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the differences between coaching and mentoring and identify when each approach is most appropriate.
- Describe the principles, roles, responsibilities, and boundaries that underpin effective coaching and mentoring relationships.
- Apply a structured coaching model to plan and conduct effective coaching conversations.
- Demonstrate active listening, questioning, and rapport-building techniques that encourage reflection and development.
- Provide constructive feedback that supports learning, performance, and growth.
- Conduct coaching conversations with increased confidence through practice, observation, and feedback.
- Identify opportunities to integrate coaching and mentoring approaches within their own role and organisation.
- Develop a personal action plan to embed coaching and mentoring techniques into day-to-day practice.
Agenda
-
Welcome and Introduction
- Course objectives and expectations
- Participant introductions
- Individual coaching and mentoring challenges
-
Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring
- What is coaching?
- What is mentoring?
- Key differences and similarities
- When to coach and when to mentor
- Benefits for individuals, teams, and organisations
Activity: Identifying appropriate coaching and mentoring scenarios
-
Comfort Break
-
Contracting, Roles and Boundaries
- Establishing effective coaching relationships
- Clarifying expectations and objectives
- Confidentiality and trust
- Professional boundaries and ethical considerations
- Recognising when to signpost or refer
Activity: Developing a coaching agreement
-
Coaching Models and Core Skills
- Introduction to the GROW model
- Structuring coaching conversations
- Active listening techniques
- Building rapport and psychological safety
- Effective questioning skills
Activity: Coaching skills practice
-
Lunch
-
Coaching Practice Session 1
- Guided coaching conversations using the GROW model
- Working in coach, coachee, and observer roles
- Structured observation and feedback
Activity: Facilitated coaching practice
-
Feedback and Challenging Conversations
- Delivering constructive feedback
- Encouraging accountability and ownership
- Managing resistance and difficult conversations
- Maintaining a coaching approach under pressure
Activity: Feedback practice exercise
-
Comfort Break
-
Coaching Practice Session 2
- Extended coaching scenarios based on workplace situations
- Observation and peer feedback
- Facilitator coaching tips and guidance
Activity: Practical coaching application
-
Reflection, Application and Action Planning
- Reflection framework: What? So What? Now What?
- Identifying opportunities to apply learning
- Personal coaching and mentoring action plan
- Key takeaways and close
Output: Individual commitment and implementation plan
Get in Touch
Book Now
- Public Sector £550
- Private Sector £620
- Voluntary Sector £480
Trainer
Emma Ellse
Emma works with business owners, leaders, and executives to help them build and grow businesses they are genuinely excited to work in. She provides support as a sounding board through challenging times and helps leaders create a clear strategic direction and plan for the sustained development of their organisations. Emma uses mentoring, coaching, and training to support senior team members in becoming inspiring managers and leaders, and to help executives build confidence and reach their full potential in their careers.
Emma has a 25-year career in senior marketing roles across multiple sectors, working in both B2B and B2C organisations. Her experience spans strategic planning and the execution of cross-channel marketing and branding, as well as management and leadership. She is qualified in strategic marketing planning, digital marketing, and higher education teaching, and uses this blend of experience and qualifications to deliver bespoke support tailored to her clients’ needs. Emma has also run several start-up businesses and, for the past five years, has led a successful coaching, mentoring, and training business.
Emma is a member of the Association of Business Mentors and holds the following professional recognitions: FIDM (Fellow of the Institute of Data & Marketing), FCIM (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing), and FHEA (Fellow of Advance HE). Alongside her work with businesses, she also works part-time as a Senior Lecturer in the Business School at the University of Lincoln.
