OSCAR Coaching Technique for 1:1s
The role of a PM at a 1:1 is to act as a coach so as to encourage the coachee to come up with their own suggestions and decisions, and to support removing any obstacles to their growth and development. Many of the qualities and behaviours that a coach requires are achievable, and research suggests these should include:
Building rapport – Listening, understanding and encouragement all contribute to a deeper and more successful coaching experience for both coach and coachee
Being present – coaching starts with being as present and available to the coachee as possible, responding to the needs of that person (Chidiac, 2012).
Effective communication skills – Lai and McDowall (2014) also emphasise the benefits of actively listening and reflecting back; using powerful questioning techniques; supplying and seeking feedback; allowing space for story sharing; and using appropriate verbal and body language.
Demonstrating empathy – Cox and Bachkirova (2007) stress the need for the coach to acknowledge and understand emotion as normal, working to understand coachee’s emotional reactions and difficulties, rather than ignoring or trying to change or control them
Collaboration and facilitation – coaching is a reflective and collaborative process, with continuous discussion and negotiation between coach and coachee, facilitating positive changes in behavior to meet the coachee’s goals (Lai and McDowall, 2014). The OSCAR model below will help.
Qualities and Attitudes – Lai and McDowall (2014) looked across several studies and found that the most highlighted qualities for a coach to have were:
openness/honesty/authenticity
integrity/confidentiality
non-judgemental/objective
enthusiasm/passion
commitment/motivation to help
Establishing trust – trust is crucial to engaging coachees and establishing a positive and effective coaching relationship. Having a clear upfront contract and transparent coaching process will help, such as agreeing accountabilities, evaluation methods, confidentiality and discussing any coaching models or theories being used
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