Coaching for Sustainability

This workshop presentation is from the “Learning and Legacy: The Role of Education in Creating Healthier and Happier Cities” EAUC Annual Conference 2016, presented by Richard Woods, Health, Safety & Environment Manager - Institute of Cancer Research and Caroline Craig, Deputy Health, Safety & Environment Manager - Institute of Cancer Research and falls under the Leadership and Governance stream. To find more presentations and resources from this Conference, search for EAUCConf16.

Coaching is increasingly being seen as an essential health and safety management skill, but it is equally as applicable for engaging on sustainability. This session emphasised the importance of collaboration and balancing technical knowledge with complementary communication skills. Sustainability professionals know about the global and local issues, the standards that need to be achieved and how others have solved problems. This is the greater knowledge and understanding they bring to a conversation. However, supporting managers and others in our institutions requires more than technical capability alone. Helping colleagues explore problems and find the best solutions requires curiosity, skillful questioning and advanced, active listening skills – all attributes of a great coach.