Three Activities for Your Next Coaching Training Program

Overview: Engage your participants with these interactive coaching activities designed to enhance coaching models, goal-setting discussions, and the mindset/skillset of effective coaches.

Activity 1: Practicing Coaching Models (GROW and Continuous Support)

Time: 30–40 Minutes

Objective: Practice two common coaching models to build confidence and structure in coaching conversations.

Steps:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the GROW and Continuous Support models.
  • Role-Play #1: Continuous Support Model
    • Scenario: A team member is struggling with time management.
    • In pairs, one acts as the coach, one as the coachee.
    • The coach uses the Continuous Support model: listen, ask open-ended questions, and offer suggestions.
  • Role-Play #2: GROW Model
    • Scenario: An employee seeks career development guidance.
    • Coach applies the GROW structure: Goal – Reality – Options – Way forward.
  • Debrief: After each role-play, reflect on challenges and what worked. Compare models and discuss adaptation techniques.

Key Learning: Participants will gain firsthand experience applying coaching models and learn to adapt their approach based on the conversation.

Activity 2: Coaching Concepts and Goals Discussion

Time: 25 Minutes

Steps:

  • Introduction: Share the value of coaching and how it supports performance growth.
  • Group Discussion: Ask: What does coaching mean to you? What goals does it serve?
  • Concept Presentation: Introduce active listening, powerful questioning, and goal-setting.
  • Small Group Work: Assign each group a goal (e.g., better communication, engagement). Ask them to brainstorm coaching strategies for that goal.
  • Group Presentations: Share insights with the class.

Key Learning: Participants learn to connect coaching principles to practical workplace goals and develop actionable strategies.

Activity 3: Skillset and Mindset of a Successful Coach

Time: 25–30 Minutes

Steps:

  • Discussion: What’s the difference between skillset and mindset in coaching?
  • Reflection: Ask participants to list their own strengths and improvement areas.
  • Pair Share: Discuss insights with a partner.
  • Role-Play Scenarios: Practice coaching while demonstrating key mindset attributes (e.g., non-judgment, empathy).

Key Learning: Participants understand how both mindset and skills contribute to coaching success and apply both in practice.

Bonus Activity: Coaching Observation Triads

Time: 25 Minutes

  • Setup: Groups of three rotate roles: Coach, Coachee, Observer.
  • Observer: Uses checklist to provide feedback on techniques, tone, and use of models.
  • Debrief: Discuss observations and takeaways as a group.

Bonus Activity: Coaching Bingo

Time: 15 Minutes

  • Setup: Bingo card with coaching behaviors (e.g., "paraphrased feedback", "asked open question").
  • Watch demo coaching or peer activity and mark off observed behaviors.
  • Debrief: What did you notice? What was missing?

Related Training Material

To deliver a full coaching course including slides, trainer guide, handouts, and activities, check out the complete package:

Coaching People for Better Performance – Training Material Package