Top Tips for Wellbeing Coaches

.Everything you read here is academically proven and tested under the the most challenging conditions

1. There is no magic panacea when it comes to supporting the wellbeing of others, whether that’s family and friends or in the workplace. Be creative. What works for one may not work for another, try things and practice. You won’t go far wrong if you approach with a good dose of empathy and compassion.

2. Your leadership style is important. This is not about rank, role, or position in life. It’s about your ability to step up when support is needed. Be open and honest to build trust and confidence in those around you. Be approachable, consistent, and authentic in everything you do. Build your character and a great reputation will be yours for free.

3. Make wellbeing part of your daily practice. Demonstrate self-compassion and look after yourself. Doing this demonstrates the benefits to others and you subconsciously coach people because you are demonstrating good practice and leading by example, making you authentic and credible as a wellbeing coach.

 4. Never overlook an opportunity to recruit more wellbeing champions! There will be people around you who have skills to support and it’s incumbent on you to notice. Inspire and encourage willing talent to join your mission.

5. The simplest coaching models are the most effective. The GROW model:

• What are the Goals?

• What is the Reality?

• What Opportunities and Options are there?

• What is the Work to do?

6. The power of three Cs works ‘in the moment’:

• Confirm: (what’s going on here?)

• Consider: (What three things will I use now?)

• Continue: (Move forward, no matter how slowly)

7. Be mindful of your communication style. What you say and how you say it. Be mindful of your body language. Is it congruent with your message and what you are trying to achieve? (The bestselling book Verbal Judo by Dr George Thompson is an excellent resource for coaches wishing to improve their communication ability and is in my top three all-time best books).

 8. Do not be afraid to talk about how you are – when you talk, you give others permission to talk too. Talking is a good thing, especially about emotions, thoughts, feelings, mental health, and wellbeing. By getting people talking about wellbeing, we change wellbeing culture for the better.

9. The number one communication skill is listening. Practice every day. Your goal is to listen to understand. Be wary of falling into the trap of appearing to listen but just waiting for your turn to reply. Seek first to understand, then to be understood `Steven Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People`.

 10. Stay curious and ask open questions which don’t invite a `YES ‘or `NO` response. ( Try Why? What? Who? When? Where?) Open, constructive questions generate much better-quality conversations.

11. Don’t be afraid of silence when having wellbeing conversations. One of the traps for coaches is feeling awkward about silence. If the person you’re with isn’t talking, you may feel the need to fill the gap. Silence is an incredible wellbeing tool in its own right because it allows people space and time to think and rationalise their thoughts (soak time). If this approach doesn’t come naturally to you, it’s worth practicing with people around you under ‘normal conditions’ so that you become more comfortable with the technique as a wellbeing coach.

12. Seemingly small things to you are big things to others. Sweat the small stuff.

13. Don’t let the small things carry on growing into big things. If you are blessed with a managerial or leadership position, you must have the courage to nip things in the bud and have difficult conversations when needed. Things which cause upset and fester in the workplace will have a direct impact on the wellbeing of staff and the team as a whole. Examples might be gossiping, a misplaced sexist or insulting comment or acquiescing to unacceptable workplace culture. Familiarise yourself with the term ‘microaggressions’ and build prevention into your practice.

 14. Don’t shy away from conversations which encourage others to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. We all have responsibility for ourselves! This can be a tough message to hear for some, so needs to be approached at the right time and with care and sensitivity. We are all in this together and we all have a role to play to keep ourselves fit and well.

15. Commit to a life of constant and consistent growth and most of all … PRACTICE!

People may forget what you did and what you said, but they will always remember the way you made them feel - Maya Angelou

As long as you’ve got air and can breathe everything else can be worked out.

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