The DNA of Coaching: Cracking the Code to Developing Your People

Leadership competence is a critical capability that separates winners from losers. This has always been the case but it is now becoming increasingly clear. Leadership is a complex role that involves three key opportunities: Directing, Motivating, and Developing people. Unfortunately, the latter role – developing – has become a lost leadership art. The DNA of Coaching and the Field Guide for the DNA of Coaching are based on our definition of coaching as the process of creating an achievement focused, relationship-based experience resulting in development and high performance. As is evident in this definition, coaching involves two foundational aspects – building an achievement focus, and establishing a trust-based relationship. These aspects are not independent of one another but are highly interdependent. In fact, the nature of this interdependence is much like the two strands of the DNA molecule – the backbone of all life. Relationship and achievement are inextricably intertwined and co-dependent – you can’t have one without the other. To be a superior coach, one must develop the skills in creating a learning relationship and one must learn the skills associated with creating a learning space.