Reflection, note-taking and coaching: If it ain’t written, it ain’t coaching!

Abstract

This paper explores issues related to reflection-in-action, an essential tool in the development of coaching expertise, and discusses how note-taking by the coach during the coaching conversation can help develop the coach’s skills in this area. Reflection-in-action is in-the-moment reflective use of experience and knowledge so as to better facilitate the coaching process. This requires a high level of self-insight – a clear understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. Levels of self-insight can be developed by mindfully engaging in exercises designed to raise in-the-moment awareness during the actual coaching process. Structured note-taking is one such approach that has been shown to be effective. The development of these skills allows coaches to be more agile in the coaching process, and helps them work in both structured and unstructured ways with their clients. Case-based examples are presented along with suggestions for the development of these skills.