COACHING: Together we can take flight
Cate the Coach
Coaching, for me, is supplying someone with space, security and kindness to pull apart a problem and find the steps they need to undertake a change, embark on a journey or start to create a working solution. We are remarkable creatures and given the right conditions we can solve so many problems, often we just need time, gentle probing and a cup of something warm to help guide us!
Better Conversation
We are all having coaching conversations, often without even realising it. Sometimes we think we are listening and helping, but we are not quite there. We leave a conversation wishing we had been a little more supportive, listened a little more attentively, or given the other person more space to shine.
For me, coaching is about giving someone the time and space to explore a problem from different perspectives and find their own solutions. Central to this is the art of truly listening, not to fix or advise, but to understand. When people feel genuinely heard, trust grows, and with it the confidence to find their own answers.
Here is a brief guide to help anyone have more meaningful conversations, or as some might call them, coaching conversations.
Here are some of my coaching professional development. Click in my “musings and search coachbetter to read my thoughts and my journey
Quotes on my coaching and support
I had a bit of an epiphany after and it really helped me be more aware of the situation as it was. You asked the right questions to get me there, even if I didn’t quite know the reasons or why things were feeling off.
Katie, High School Maths Teacher, ISZL
“…I feel her greatest asset though is her desire to make everyone around her successful. She finds so much joy in guiding staff through complications and somehow never seems too busy to deal with your problem. She has the humility to learn alongside you in unfamiliar situations and the grace to empower you when you "can't find the ‘on’ switch".
Her superpower is her love for everyone around her and the desire to make her community a better place. She has earned the respect of the staff due to her thorough understanding of the school’s digital systems and she had earned the trust of the staff as a coach and collegial friend. “
Mike - High School Librarian, ISZL
“Cate’s contribution to the performing arts and to our school community as a whole cannot be overstated. I am deeply grateful for her mentorship, collaboration, and friendship over these many years. She has helped me grow as an educator, enriched the experiences of countless students, and strengthened our programs in ways that will continue to resonate long into the future.”
Ole - High School Music Teacher, ISZL
“She helped me and the rest of our coaching cohort reach a level depth and trust that would not have been possible without her. So much love to you my friend. Your impact and support have been immeasurable not because they have been vocalized repeatedly, but because your promises have always been backed up by action, respect, and love.”
Derek - High School English Teacher, ISZL
“Cate is a fantastic colleague, as a qualified cognitive coach and supportive peer I felt comfortable to approach her for coaching on a couple of occasions last year. She initially helped me come up with strategies for achieving my PGF goal for the year. Even more impactful, was her coaching me through ways to get the most out of my leadership opportunity … I’d always recommend working with Cate and would look to her guidance in the future. “
Hannah - High School Science Teacher, ISZL
“…Cate has worked with me for over a decade and I am so grateful for her sharing her knowledge and expertise, her guidance and her encouragement of me in my tech learning... Cate is always receptive, and supportive. No question is daft. She listens to needs and clarifies to check understanding. She provides examples, explains clearly and then observes as you try out your learning, ready to guide you along the way. She encourages growth and self belief, setting you up for success. She is a wealth of knowledge but also demonstrates herself as a learner researching to find out the answer to a question she doesn't know. She is a great role model, a true teacher-learner who shows empathy, humour, warmth, a big smile and a bigger personality. Thanks so much for all the support and guidance, Cate. I am grateful for all I have learned. My students benefit thanks to your coaching. “
Jacqui - Languages Teacher, ISZL
“Cate’s skill and coaching is remarkable. She knows exactly the right questions to ask in order for you to achieve your goals. She is person centred and goes out of her way to understand your motivations before working towards solutions to whatever is blocking you. “
Janie - College Counselor