Defence Team Coaching Program Drives Leadership Excellence

October 28, 2021 - Defence Stories

The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) believe in leadership excellence and the role it plays in developing an environment where Defence Team members know they are valued, safe and inspired toward mission success. As part of its commitment to invest in key leaders within the organization, the Director General Headquarters Transformation (DG HQT) launched a pilot of the Canadian Forces Coaching Program in 2017. In 2020, the Director General Integrated Conflict and Complaint Management (DGICCM) assumed responsibility for, and expanded the reach of, what is now called the Defence Team Coaching Program (DTCP). To date, over 221 Officers and NCM’s, as well as 21 Civilians have passed through the program.

According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), coaching is defined as, “Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.” This describes the aim of the coaching program which endeavours to support Defence Team managers to build upon their leadership capability, confidence and capacity. Partnering with a dedicated coach in a non-directive coaching approach uncovers new possibilities, enhances emotional intelligence and is results-driven towards attaining professional goals and objectives.

“The program we are applying helps grow a leader’s capacity in very short order,” says Mike Atkins, a Coaching Specialist with the DTCP, “What they are learning has a positive impact on their team as they implement it in their own day to day leadership practice.”

Consider the client survey results of the latest DTCP serial which comprised 155 participants that ran from October 2020March 2021:

The coaching program is currently available to senior CAF and Defence Team leaders. Although there are existing programs within Defence that focus on leadership training and mentoring, the coaching program is unique given that the goal isn't to simply teach leaders how to be better at their jobs, but rather to help them unlock their leadership performance ceiling. It is designed to align leadership behaviour with organizational objectives in a way that is relevant to those they lead and considerate of the realities of a modern workforce. The intention is not to “fix” leaders but rather to act as a stepping stone in their practical evolution so that when they are asked to pivot, their leadership skillset is foundational and applicable in all situations. Whilst the program had not yet been entrenched long term, the positive feedback from participants demonstrates that equipping leaders is an important step toward culture change. 

Military and civilian leaders who are interested in learning more about the coaching program, and the varied services available, are encouraged to reach out to DTCoaching-CoachingED@forces.gc.ca.

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