One very helpful coaching tool to use when you have a small group of three gathered is called the coaching triad. I first learned about this tool in a coaching training workshop led by Bob Logan, coach and co-author of Coaching 101: Discover the Power of Coaching. It is simple and effective when you have a group or groups of ministry leaders meeting together. A coaching triad uses peer coaching where members of the group take turns coaching one another. Here's how it's done.
Gather a group of three people who are in need of coaching. If possible, they should be working in a common area of ministry or leadership.
First, explain to the group the basics elements of coaching including the how and why of peer coaching. I have found it useful to prepare a one-page handout that summarizes the definition, essence and elements of effective coaching. This handout and teaching guide would include the following elements:
The definition of coaching, and peer coaching in particular
The why of coaching for increasing ministry effectiveness
The importance of asking coaching questions
The use of open-ended coaching questions including some sample questions to use in a triad
The value of listening to the answers with focus and intent
The coaching tool of helping the person being coached set SMART goals
Explain that the coaching triad will normally take 90 minutes. This allows for each person in the triad to be focus of coaching for 30-minutes. It is important that each person have equal time of 30-minutes for being coached including time to share what he or she will do as a result of the coaching and also be prayed for by the other two in the triad.
The first person to be the subject of the coaching will then be coached by the other two during his or her time in the triad. This is not a time for those who are doing the coaching to share their own experiences or stories. It is a time for asking and listening. Be sure to include prayer for the needs that have come up during the coaching session before passing the baton to the next person who will be coached. This continues until all three participants have been coached for 30-minutes each. The rule is everyone is coached and prayed for equally.
It is important that those in the triad commit to holding one another accountable and that they communicate with one another and pray for one another in between triad coaching sessions.
It is recommended that these coaching triads meet in person monthly. Triads can choose to reorganize every twelve months. If one person leaves the triad during the tenure of the meetings, a new person can be added or two of the original three people can meet together for the same coaching time each until someone can be added and a new triad is formed.
I have discovered that coaching triads can be very helpful for pastor gatherings where participants share common ministries or leadership positions.
What gatherings might be good times and places for coaching triads in your ministry?
Photo from Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez found on unsplash.com
FAQs
The addition of a third perspective, which forms a triad, poses the opportunity to question each person's individual perspective AND their perspectives overall – all while introducing new insight to be considered and challenged.
What is an example of a triad coaching? ›
In a triad model, for example, the supervisor and manager review the goals and preparation process before the supervisor-agent coaching session. Next, the manager observes the supervisor coaching an agent, which is followed by a discussion of the session.
What is the coaching triad observation process? ›
Here, teachers form a triad – three teachers in team – that meet, plan, engage in observation of each other on a regular basis. The coach sits slightly outside the group but acts as a guide and external driver for their internal process.
What is the triad model of teaching? ›
The Triad Model is designed to encourage creative productivity on the part of young people by: (a) exposing them to various topics, areas of interest, and fields of study, (b) teaching them how to integrate advanced content, thinking skills, and investigative and creative problem solving methodology to self-selected ...
What are the benefits of the triad process? ›
For managers, key benefits of the Triad approach include reduced project costs, expedited schedules, enhanced stakeholder concurrence, and improved site decision-making.
What are the four outcomes for effective coaching? ›
Four Roles and Outcomes of a Highly Effective Team Coach
- Advisor.
- Educator.
- Catalyzer.
- Assimilator.
What are the 3 C's of coaching? ›
With the understanding that coaching is undoubtedly in demand, what can advisors do to set themselves apart as an exceptional coach? Coaches embody numerous traits, which can be categorized into what we call the “3 C's” of exceptional coaches — curiosity, courage, and compassion.
What is the triad model of coaching? ›
A coaching triad uses peer coaching where members of the group take turns coaching one another. Here's how it's done. Gather a group of three people who are in need of coaching. If possible, they should be working in a common area of ministry or leadership.
What is the rule of three coaching? ›
Every session should be split into three elements: individual, units and team. Each player should work on improving a current skill or learning a new one.
What is a triad session? ›
A coaching triad involves a group of peers coming together (we run them weekly) and each member of the group takes it in turn to coach one another. Whilst some companies use this for teams that work in similar disciplines we have found that cross functional and cross company teams work just as well.
The TRIAD approach consists of three components: chemical, ecotoxicological, and ecological assessments. The chemical assessment quantifies the contaminant concentration of the site and the ecotoxicological assessment evaluates ecotoxicity using soil on-site or in the laboratory.
What are the three 3 coaching elements involved in successful coaching? ›
Three Critical Elements of Coaching
- Element 1 – Prepare Your Questions. A coach needs to prepare the questions before a coaching session. ...
- Element 2 – Question with Respect. Coaching must be approached from a position as equals when meeting about the problem. ...
- Element 3 – Actively Listen to the Reply. ...
- In Conclusion.
What is a triad in training? ›
The Training Triad consists of the: 1) Trainer (who works with his/her own dog); 2) Coach (who facilitates the Trainer's goals); and. 3) Observer (who preserves the integrity of the process while monitoring progress and safety).
What is triad of learning? ›
The triad consists of newcomer, mentor, and community. Supports and barriers emerged from all aspects of this learning triad, including the past experiences, attributes, knowledge, and skill of each.
What is a triad observation? ›
A triad model is democratic and mutually supportive because each team member takes turns as coach, coachee, and observer. This means that everyone, regardless of experience or expertise, gets to participate fully.
What is the purpose of triad meeting? ›
Three-way meetings, or triad meetings, allow mentors to strengthen the principal-mentor interactions so first-year teachers can grow as professionals and assume leadership roles. Mentors can make certain that principals understand the rationale for and support confidentiality between a first-year teacher and mentor.
What are the benefits of a coaching approach? ›
Here are 6 benefits that coaching can bring to individuals in your organization.
- Establish and act toward achieving goals. ...
- Increased level of engagement. ...
- Safe Place to Gain Perspective. ...
- Deeper Level of Learning. ...
- Build Personal Awareness. ...
- Support for Improving Specific Skills.
What are the benefits of spiritual life coaching? ›
The Benefits of Spiritual Life Coaching
Clarity and Purpose: Spiritual life coaching helps individuals gain clarity about their values, passions, and life purpose. Through guided introspection and exploration, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and discover what truly matters to them.
What are the benefits of using the Oscar coaching model? ›
By integrating the model, the coach or manager can regularly check that their team member is on track and working towards achieving their goals, whilst providing a safety net should the team member become overwhelmed or unable to complete certain tasks.