The Power of Self-Solution: OD Coaching's Role in School Development
"Organisational development coaches believe that organisations are capable of creating its own perfect solutions," Josh Marshall, my Organisational Development (OD) Coaching course tutor remarked. This philosophy is the reason I started my journey in to coaching organisations rather than just leaders. It seems we are comfortable with teachers having coaches, supportive of leaders having coaches, but when it comes to whole organisations we reach for consultants and experts. But can organisational development be coached? Can schools, given the right tools, figure out for themselves how to get better. For me the answer is a resounding YES.
The Essence of Organisational Development Coaching
OD coaching is not about imposing preconceived solutions but about facilitating a process where the answers emerge organically from within the school's own ecosystem. It's a journey of discovery, where the coach's toolkit is not filled with answers but with questions that prompt introspection, dialogue, and ultimately, transformation.
“Organisational development coaches believe that organisations are capable of creating its own perfect solutions”
The Coach's Toolkit: Questions That Drive Change
Here are a few practical (and simplified) questions from the OD coach's toolkit that can guide schools through their organisational development:
1. Visioning the Future: "What does our ideal school look like?" This question helps paint a picture of the desired future, setting a direction for the school's journey.
2. Assessing the Present: "On a scale of 1-10 are we now in relation to our ideal?" By assessing the current state, schools can identify the gap between the present and the desired future.
3. Uncovering Capabilities: "What resources and strengths do we currently have that can help us bridge this gap?" This question acknowledges the existing capabilities within the school that can be harnessed.
4. Exploring Possibilities: "What possibilities exist that we haven't yet considered?" This opens up the floor for creative thinking and exploring untapped opportunities.
5. Committing to Action: "What are the first steps we're willing to take towards this change?" It's about setting actionable and achievable goals to start the momentum.
OD Coaching Conversations
The OD coaching process in schools can be visualised in three steps.
The OD Coaching Process
The coaching process adapts to various scenarios within the school setting, each requiring a tailored approach:
• Setting the Context: At the outset, it's essential to establish a clear understanding of the OD journey ahead. Questions like "What is the time frame you are looking at?" or "Could you give me a deeper perspective on the situation?" help set the stage for meaningful progress.
• Facilitating Group Coaching Sessions: Once data has been gathered and interventions formulated, the focus shifts to facilitating group coaching sessions. Here, the emphasis is on collective focus and shared expectations, ensuring that every member of the team is aligned and moving forward together.
• Engaging Key Stakeholders: In situations where key employees are reluctant to participate, questions such as "What is your take on the current situation?" and "What needs to happen for the scenario you visualized to be accomplished?" can help to engage and motivate all parties involved.
The Distinction Between OD Consulting and OD Coaching
It's important to clarify the distinction between OD consulting and OD coaching. OD consulting tends to be more directive, with consultants often providing solutions based on their expertise. In contrast, OD coaching is facilitative. It's about empowering schools to craft their own path to development. This approach aligns with the belief that schools have the capacity for self-directed change and growth.
The Role of the OD Coach in Schools
As an OD coach, my role is to facilitate this process, to ask the right questions at the right time, and to listen deeply. It's about creating a space where school leaders and teachers can reflect, engage, and co-create the path forward. This approach is particularly resonant in international schools, where the diversity of perspectives can be woven into a rich tapestry of shared vision and collective action.
John’s words echo the essence of what I aim to bring to international schools: a belief in their capacity to find their own perfect solutions. With the OD coach's toolkit in hand, I am excited to continue on this journey of co-creation, to support schools in navigating the complexities of change, and to celebrate the unique solutions that emerge from within their own vibrant communities.
About This Series
As Shane progresses through his Organisational Development Coaching Certification, this blog series serves as both a record of his educational journey and a practical guide for leaders in international schools. Each article simplifies complex OD principles into actionable insights, specifically tailored for the multifaceted world of international education.
