Cultivates Trust and Safety - Co-Creating the Relationship

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies outline skills and approaches used by professional coaches. These principles are explicitly stated in the context of coaching and can be used with colleagues, patients, and ourselves in the hospital and beyond. In this blog series, we look at how the ICF Core Competencies apply to physicians in the areas of personal growth, peer support, and patient care.

The third Core Competency domain we will address in this blog series is critically important on the path to success: Cultivates Trust and Safety

This Core Competency is defined by six skills or approaches.

1. Seeks to understand the client within their context which may include their identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs

Physicians should seek to understand their coachees within the broader context of their identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs. This holistic view allows doctors to appreciate what’s behind the person and how they view the world. By doing so, physicians can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each person, colleague or patient, thereby fostering a deeper connection and level of trust.

2. Demonstrates respect for the client’s identity, perceptions, style, and language and adapts one’s coaching to the client

Respecting a person’s identity, perceptions, style, and language is crucial. Physicians should adapt their coaching and communication style to align with the coachee’s sense of self. This personalized approach enhances the interaction by showing the other person is valued and heard.

3. Acknowledges and respects the client’s unique talents, insights, and work in the coaching process

Every individual brings unique talents, insights, and experiences to the relationship. Physician coaches should acknowledge and respect these attributes during the coaching process. Recognizing the individuality of each patient allows for a more tailored and effective approach to coaching.

4. Shows support, empathy, and concern for the client

Support, empathy, and concern are foundational elements of any trusting relationship. Physicians should provide coachees with what they need, allowing them to own their experience. By showing genuine care and understanding, physicians can create a safe space where coachees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

5. Acknowledges and supports the client’s expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs, and suggestions

Physicians should acknowledge and support a coachee's expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs, and suggestions. Validation is a powerful tool that makes others feel heard and respected. It encourages open communication and helps build a strong, trusting relationship.

6. Demonstrates openness and transparency as a way to display vulnerability and build trust with the client

Openness and transparency are key to building trust. Physicians should model the behavior they wish to see in their patients by being open and transparent themselves. This display of vulnerability can significantly enhance the trust and safety within the coaching relationship.

Cultivating trust and safety is a critical competency for physician coaches who want to impact personal growth, peer support, and patient outcomes. A safe, supportive coaching partnership is all about creating a space that allows the client to share openly and freely. By implementing these six skills and approaches, physicians can create a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and trust to enhance the effectiveness of their coaching client outcomes.