Training and coaching – another type of blend?

Today I delivered a second coaching session to my health and safety group who have just all passed their Level 3 qualification with me. The group actually forms the health and safety team at a farming operation. In this second coaching session I was gradually handing over the responsibility for being the ‘expert’ to the team. What sneaked up on me was that it had already been happening during the course itself. Midway through the coaching session one of the team had the confidence to politely ask me to stop contributing/interrupting so they could work out for themselves what to do about a particular issue! With mock horror I sadly announced that my work was done! I think this successful conclusion came about partly through all the flipchart work THEY did on the course, which is still proudly displayed in the training room, and formed today’s backdrop, which reminded them of their growing confidence and competence. Ah well, onto the next lucky client!!!