Conversations That Inspire: Coaching Learning, Leadership and Change from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: How do people really help others?

The best coaches develop resonant relationships, which involve the experience of hope and compassion and the arousal of meaning. We explore how effective coaches inspire others, and use an approach based on compassion rather than compliance to promote positive, enduring change in their coachees. We then turn to Intentional Change Theory (ICT) as a model of sustained, desired change at all levels of human endeavor; detailing the five discovery phases that comprise ICT. Finally, we explore the Positive and Negative Emotional Attractors (PEA and NEA), their relationship to the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems (SNS and PNS), and how arousal of either of these systems can deferentially lead to either feelings of negativity and fear, or a focus on one's strengths and the excitement of experimenting with something new.

Week 2: Physiology and Neuroscience of Coaching

Chronic stress without regular and period experiences of renewal is non-sustainable for performance. We further examine the physiology of the PNS and SNS; including the relationship between stress and the activation of the SNS, and renewal and the activation of the PNS, including implications for hormonal and cardio-vascular activity in the body. We then turn to our neuroscience-based study of coaching; outlining the contagious effect of emotions, and the relationship between the brain's independent and suppresive Task Positive Network (TPN) and Default Mode Network, and how each relates to problem solving/analytical tasks and social tasks/openness to people and experiences. We end this week by outlining the ethical dimensions of coaching: the essentials of trust and environmental safety, awareness of boundaries, and ensuring that the coaching process flows from the coachee themselves.

Week 3: Coaching for the Ideal Self and Relationships

The ideal self is centered on autonomous motivation: what a person wants to do, and results in sustained, desired change. Conversely, the ought self is based on controlled motivation: what a person feels they must do based on the standards of others. The ideal self comprises hope, core identity, and an image of a desired future, and is fueled by optimism and self-efficacy. We then turn to the two forms of empathy: empathy with the head (a form of conceptual understanding and cognitive processing which implicates both the TPN and DMN) and empathy with the heart (genuine emphatic concern, which engages the DMN alone); with our focus on the need to develop emotional self-awareness in order to serve others, while appropriately balancing both forms of empathy as the coaching situation demands. Lastly, we explore the notion of genuine listening in a coaching relationship (as opposed to mere 'hearing' the other person speak), and outline a case for "listening beyond the words": giving our full attention to the other person to establish what lies beyond the words, and what meaning we can derive from what that other person is saying.

Week 4: Coaching for the Real Self, Balance and Learning Agenda

There is an optimal balance between time spent in the PEA and time spent in the NEA. Too much time in the PEA may result in over-optimism or complacency; with too much time in the NEA resulting in diminishment or depression. Given that negative emotional experiences tend to be stronger and more palpable, the ratio between time spent in the two emotional states should be skewed toward the PEA - at around 3-6:1. Establishing the real self involves mindful awareness, which itself demands soliciting accurate feedback from others; so as to establish a personal balance sheet cataloguing the strengths one can leverage within themselves and the shortcomings they may seek to address. Next, we explore the nature and role of social identity groups: how they support and enhance emotional contagion, and may facilitate the development of a larger or noble purpose in one's Ideal Self. Lastly, we detail planning and experimentation with new behaviors to promote and sustain new learning and growth on the part of coachees.

Week 5: Establishing a Culture of Coaching

Coaching can be leveraged to help organizations develop and retain their best talent. We outline the positive workplace results that arise in organizations which employ coaching with compassion approaches to coaching, and not traditional coaching for compliance. Moreover, peer coaching promotes an intimate involvement among members of an organization; strengthening social bonds outside the organization and professional bonds within it, and promoting a genuine culture of coaching. It also provides a cost-effective, long-term and sustainable alternative to conventional coaching modalities.

Week 6: Put It All Together

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores evidence-based coaching techniques for fostering positive change

Led by respected instructors who are renowned in coaching

Incorporates neuroscience and positive psychology principles, providing a comprehensive understanding of coaching

Emphasis on ethical considerations in coaching ensures responsible practices

Covers advanced topics such as ideal self coaching, emotional contagion, and social identity groups

Equips participants with strategies to establish a culture of coaching in organizations

Reviews summary

Science-based coaching tool

learners say this is a well received course with engaging assignments. It largely positive reviews describe this course as an excellent experience that provides practical coaching tools and science-based coaching techniques for professional coaches. The course also emphasizes the importance of compassion and emotional intelligence in leadership and change through personal development. Students report that the instructors are knowledgeable and supportive. With many direct applications of materials and techniques, students say the materials and readings are well organized and easy to understand. plan for a fairly significant time commitment to complete this course.

Students found the instructors to be knowledgeable and supportive.

"Clear and complete issues. Very inspiring professor."

"Excellent course. It enhances our coaching skills."

"Fantastic curriculum and superbly delivered by the course lecturers."

Learners were impressed with the logical structure and clarity of the course materials.

"Some really good concepts and approaches at a practitioner level"

"The materials given during the course are relevant for the topic and the videos, articles and essays, make the course more interesting and give lots of new information and, as well, others points of view."

"The topics and readings are well organized and easy to understand"

Students highlight the emphasis on practicing compassion and emotional intelligence in coaching.

"Great course. Loved the foundation of compassionate coaching versus correction and the science and research behind the approach."

"I loved the Neuro-scientific approach to understand what goes on at the organic level."

"This course provided an amazing introduction to coaching, together with the necessary guidance to turn knowledge into practice."

"It was a really interesting course. I like to understand emotional processes in coach's work and how we should use this information."

Many learners appreciate that the course includes practical coaching assignments.

"Great course with fantastic assignments."

"A good way to start your coaching journey"

"This course is excellent, it provided me with a lot of information and practical experience."

"I have learned great skills to become a life coach & beyond that, I have learned skills for my personal development."

"It was a really interesting course. I like to understand emotional processes in coach's work and how we should use this information."

"Especially gratefull for tasks, where i should work with another people on the coaching sessions."

"I've learned a lot in this course. It's has been put together in a really good way and enables the student to apply the new knowledge and skills with a coachee."

Learners remark on the practical coaching tools and science-based approach to coaching.

"Fascinating, science-based and highly practical."

"The science behind the ICT model and coaching style is 1st class and has filled important gaps in my coaching profession."

"Great course. Loved the foundation of compassionate coaching versus correction and the science and research behind the approach."

"I loved the Neuro-scientific approach to understand what goes on at the organic level."

"Fantastic curriculum and superbly delivered by the course lecturers."

"This course provided an amazing introduction to coaching, together with the necessary guidance to turn knowledge into practice."

"It was a really interesting course. I like to understand emotional processes in coach's work and how we should use this information."

Majority of reviews are positive.

"Best course I've ever learned"

"Excellent course!!"

"Very interesting, stimulating, and practical to the everyday life and work environments we're in."

"Excellent course. It enhances our coaching skills."

"A useful course, really touching upon the insight of a coach and the coaching process."

"Excellent, thank you."

"Fantastic course, absolutely wonderful to have a research base for coaching, and know exactly what does help people change in sustainable ways over time."

Some students experienced delays in the grading of their assignments.

"I submitted two, but am uncertain I completed them correctly."

"Apparently, that may be a while because few people enroll in this course."

Learners caution that this course may require a substantial time commitment to complete.

"The length of time needed to complete all the readings were way off expectations set in the course."

Career center

Learners who complete Conversations That Inspire: Coaching Learning, Leadership and Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Leadership Coach

As a Leadership Coach, you help your clients to develop their leadership skills and abilities. This course will give you the foundational knowledge and skills you need to help your clients to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. You will learn about different leadership styles, and how to coach your clients to develop their emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

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Human Resources Manager

In a role as a Human Resources Manager, you will find yourself coaching employees as part of your day-to-day. This course will provide you with the foundational skills you need to coach employees in a way that inspires them to learn, change, and embrace leadership. With compassionate coaching, you can empower employees to meet their career goals while helping the organization achieve its objectives.

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Organizational Development Specialist

As an Organizational Development Specialist, you will often provide coaching and guidance to employees as part of your role. In this course, you will learn about behavioral and neuroscience principles that will help you coach employees more effectively. You will also develop skills in how to create and maintain a culture of coaching within an organization.

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Life Coach

In your role as a Life Coach, you will guide your clients through personal and professional challenges. This course will teach you how to establish rapport with your clients, and build trusting relationships that empower them to take ownership of their lives. You will also learn how to develop personalized coaching plans that address your clients' needs and goals.

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Employee Assistance Program Counselor

As an Employee Assistance Program Counselor, you will provide counseling and support to employees who are facing personal or professional challenges. This course will provide you with the skills you need to help your clients address a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. You will also learn how to create a safe and supportive environment for your clients.

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Career Counselor

As a Career Counselor, you will guide your clients as they navigate their career paths and seek out new opportunities. In this course, you will learn skills for assessing your clients' needs, developing career plans, and providing guidance on job search strategies. You will also learn about the latest trends in the job market.

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Educational Consultant

As an Educational Consultant, you will guide students and families as they navigate the educational system. You will help your clients to identify their goals, develop learning plans, and find the right educational resources. In this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the educational system, and learn how to provide guidance that is tailored to the needs of your clients.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you will help to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees. You may be responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion policies, and providing training on topics such as unconscious bias. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to lead and manage diversity and inclusion initiatives within your organization.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing a nonprofit organization. You will need to have a strong understanding of the nonprofit sector, and be able to develop and implement effective programs and services. This course will provide you with the skills you need to lead and manage a nonprofit organization, and to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will lead and manage projects from start to finish. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, and for ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course will provide you with the skills you need to lead and manage projects, and to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will lead and manage a team of marketing professionals. You will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns, and managing the marketing budget. This course will provide you with the skills you need to lead and manage a marketing team, and to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager, you will lead and manage a team of sales representatives. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies, and motivating your team to achieve their goals. This course will provide you with the skills you need to lead and manage a sales team, and to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager, you will lead and manage the day-to-day operations of an organization. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organization runs smoothly and efficiently, and for meeting the needs of customers and clients. This course will provide you with the skills you need to lead and manage an operations team, and to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will be responsible for testing and evaluating software and other products to ensure that they meet quality standards. You will work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and will also help to develop and implement quality assurance processes. This course will provide you with the skills you need to be a successful Quality Assurance Analyst.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. You will work with stakeholders to identify and define requirements, and develop and implement solutions that meet their needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to be a successful Business Analyst.

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