Three Benefits of the Coaching Mindset for Physicians

Physician Coach Training focuses on learning the coaching mindset, an approach to working with others demonstrating commitment, and emphasizing connection. I didn’t fully embrace the coaching mindset until I attended coach training with a willingness to learn new things. That’s when I started looking at things differently, with an approach that better equips me to help others. In this blog, I would like to define the coaching mindset and share three benefits of the coaching mindset for physicians.

"The International Coaching Federation, a global leader in coaching certification, defines the coaching mindset as being "curious, open, flexible, and client-centered." Below, we’ll discuss each of these in more detail." - International Coaching Federation

Defining the Coaching Mindset

Curiosity is the fuel that drives effective coaching and emphasizes helping the person we’re communicating with dig deeper. A curious approach should limit judgment and center on the other person’s ability to achieve clarity, rather than a desire for more information. Our tone, delivery, body language, and more all send signals about our intent. 

An open and flexible mindset activates new opportunities for ourselves and others. It involves being receptive to diverse perspectives, ideas, and solutions. This flexibility offers new direction and accepts unexpected pathways that align with individuality. Being open and flexible signals that we want what is best for others.

At the heart of the coaching mindset is a commitment to being client-centered. This means placing the goals and values of others at the center of attention and eliminating personal bias. The goal of a client-centered approach is for others to take ownership of the solution and to empower their best outcome.

Three Benefits of the Coaching Mindset 

The coaching mindset yields numerous advantages, with three notable ones deserving attention: enhanced communication, superior leadership, and heightened engagement.

This mindset fosters effective communication, leading to a deeper understanding and stronger rapport. We actively cultivate skills such as active listening, both verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Maintaining a curious and open mindset, physicians welcome new ideas, diverse perspectives, and potential solutions. Our training emphasizes the cultivation of curiosity while minimizing judgment, evident in asking questions, active listening, and response strategies. 

A client-centered approach encourages active participation and places the responsibility for outcomes squarely on the client. Physicians, driven by a solution-focused mindset, aspire to provide the best support possible. However, it's essential to reflect on whether our commitment to finding optimal solutions might inadvertently hinder others from taking an active role in the process. 

The coaching mindset is a valuable asset for physicians seeking to improve communication and enhance leadership to support patients, colleagues, and others. By embracing curiosity, being open and flexible, and taking a client-centered approach, physicians can use the coaching mindset to facilitate better outcomes.