[Date: 14 February 2025]
Coaching for Professional Development
A coaching mindset is a powerful approach that fosters self-awareness, personal development, and effective leadership. It enables individuals to guide others without imposing solutions, instead facilitating deeper reflection and growth.
The seminar featured two insightful speakers, Professor Walter Lee, who is Professor of Head and Neck Surgery and currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Duke University Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences and Co-Director of the Duke Cancer Institute Head and Neck Oncology Program, and Professor Christopher W.S. Cheng, who is currently senior consultant urologist at Sengkang General Hospital and Singapore General Hospital, he was the founding CEO of the Sengkang General Hospital . They brought unique perspectives from their leadership and clinical experiences. They discussed how adopting a coaching mindset can transform professional interactions, enhance decision-making, and build stronger teams. Drawing from their own journeys, they shared practical examples of how coaching principles have helped them navigate career transitions, support colleagues, and foster a culture of growth and learning.
Key takeaways:
- Coaching is a process of inquiry, not instruction: Unlike consulting or mentoring, coaching does not provide direct answers but instead encourages individuals to explore their own solutions through thought-provoking questions.
- Active listening is a core skill: A coaching mindset requires full attention, deep listening, and asking meaningful questions to help others gain clarity and insight.
- The power of silence: Pausing and allowing individuals to reflect before responding creates space for deeper understanding and self-discovery.
- A growth mindset is essential: Embracing challenges, continuous learning, and being open to feedback are key components of coaching and leadership.
- Coaching enhances leadership and professional development: Leaders who adopt a coaching approach can better support their teams, encourage innovation, and foster a collaborative work environment.
- The coaching mindset applies beyond the workplace: Coaching principles can improve personal relationships, enhance communication, and create a more mindful approach to interactions in everyday life.
- Self-awareness and mindfulness are critical: Practising self-reflection, mindfulness exercises, and being present in conversations contribute to more meaningful coaching interactions.
The seminar provided participants with a fresh perspective on leadership and communication, inspiring them to incorporate coaching principles into their professional and personal lives. By cultivating a coaching mindset, individuals can become more effective mentors, leaders, and problem-solvers in their respective fields.