Federal Coaching Network

What is coaching?

Coaching is an experiential development process which facilitates change and growth in both individuals and groups. In Federal government, coaching is utilized to address professional or business-related challenges. Through structured dialogue, coaches assist their coachees to deepen their insights and translate those insights into actions. Coaches apply specific techniques and skills, approaches, and methodologies that enable the coachees to develop their goals and design actions to achieve them. The coachee drives the coaching agenda, and is ultimately responsible for the outcome of the coaching engagement.

Federal Coaching Network:

The Federal Coaching Network (FCN) is a community of individuals across Government who are invested in the practice of coaching and whole-heartedly support its role in leadership development.  The FCN was established in early 2013 in partnership with the Chief Learning Officer's Council.

The FCN promotes a coaching culture within Government by empowering leaders and employees at all levels to practice self-reflection, creativity in problem solving, accountability, and candid and respectful communication. The aim is to cultivate an environment of continuous learning and individual and organizational performance excellence by promoting positive leadership practices.

 

How can I find a coach?

The Federal Caching is a community of individuals across government who are invested in the practice of coaching and support its role in leadership development. If you are looking for a coach, please contact your agency POC and Chief Learning Officer (CLO). They can provide you with information on how to find internal or external coaches.

How do I become a coach?

OPM in partnership with the Chief Learning Officer’s Council (CLOC) supports a multi-agency Federal Internal Coach Training Program (FICTP). The Program currently runs on an annual basis, and participation is coordinated through each agency’s Chief Learning Officer or Training Director.

Through this program, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the philosophical, historical, and ethical foundations of professional coaching and how they are applied within the Federal context. Students will explore the similarities and differences between coaching and related helping disciplines (e.g., mentoring, counseling) and the consideration of the scope of coaching's potential. In addition, they will learn and practice coaching skills in real-time conversations and observe and experience the effect of these skills as a coachee. 

If you are interested in attending, or would to learn more about this program, please contact your agency Chief Learning Officer.

 

How can employees promote a coaching culture without formal coach training?

Leader as a Coach

It is important for leaders to develop coaching skills so they can help others reach their potential. A leader who leverages coaching techniques will support positive behavior change and develop a growth mindset in his or her employees. When leaders create a coaching culture, the goal is to work with employees to solve performance problems, and improve the work of the employee, team, and the department.

Peer Coaching

A confidential process where two or more professionals work together to reflect on current practices to expand, refine, build new skills, share ideas and solve problems in the workplace. Each participant acts as both the coach and the coachee, collaborating in a highly focused group. They work together in partnership to address each of the topics or challenges presented.

Resources:

Coaching memo:  https://chcoc.gov/content/coaching-federal-government

Federal Coaching network FAQS:https://chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Attachment%20-%20Coaching%20in%20the%20Federal%20Government%20FAQs.pdf

Do you want to join the Federal Coaching Network?

Are you already a coach and looking for coachees in the federal government, contact your agency Point of Contact (POC) to learn more on joining the Federal Coaching Network