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The WellBE Video series has been shared with you, episode by episode, as part of the WellBE project. The primary aim was to expand upon the insights offered in the WellBe Handbook “Coaching for Trainers”, catering to the piloting cohorts of adult educators across Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Serbia. This collection now serves as a readily accessible repository, just a click away, providing invaluable wisdom drawn from the worlds of training rooms, coaching practices, and adept facilitation.

Whether you’re an aspiring facilitator, adult educator, or someone on the path to becoming a coach, these videos are crafted to enhance your expertise and widen your horizons. We’re confident that, like us, you’ll find each interview moment enjoyable and enriching!

Episode 1 with Joanna Kurylońska, Ireland: Photography in Coaching

In Episode 1 of the Video Series, part of the WellBE Project, we have as a guest Joanna Kurylońska, an ICF ACC credentialed life coach, based in Ireland. Joanna is passionate about combining coaching and photography. She uses photography as a unique and creative tool to enhance the coaching process and the outcomes for her clients. Joanna also promotes photography as a tool for personal development and wellbeing, which is available for all. She believes that connection with others, nature and self is invaluable and this underpins her practice.  

Link to watch the episode with guest Joanna Kurylońska:   https://youtu.be/AY2YfdSgAmA?si=OebV2AHCljW7WvIO

Episode 2 with Cristina Mühl, Germany: Team Coaching

Cristina Mühl, PCC ICF, SP EMCC, ESIA is our guest in the episode 2 of the WellBE Video Series. She has more than 15 years experience in audit, advisory, and compliance leading and growing teams, working in more than 10 countries on 3 continents. As a leader in the field of coaching she works with individuals and teams to enhance their skills and support them in reaching their objectives. In this interview she and shares her view on how team coaching and training complement each other, what is her favorite coaching skill and how we can explore and test it in the practice of training, facilitation, and in life! 

Link to watch the episode with guest Cristina Mühl: https://youtu.be/3Ou75R4Ak1g?si=CdXBQrGIVctX6xkC

Episode 3 with Irina Stefanova, Bulgaria: Energy Leadership

In Episode 3 we interview Irina Stefanova, Leadership Success Coach who is an expert in the so-called energy leadership. With a solid experience in strategic marketing management, analytical work and proven success of brands she developed, Irina turned to working towards empowering people & organisations. A CPC from iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, ACC from ICF and Energy Leadership IndexTM Master Practitioner. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Irina Stefanova:  https://youtu.be/ZK97MjyyaPE?si=eCDgSg6xCuqGx3g8

Episode 4 with Dunja Milanković Poznić, Serbia: The joy of being a Coach

In Episode No 4 of the WellBE Video Series we have Dunja Milanković Poznić, an ICF PCC accredited coach, based in Serbia. Dunja in her work tends to combine knowledge and expertise as psychologist and psychotherapist with her business experience in HR. Due to this she is comfortable working as business and wellbeing coach. Trainings enable her to combine her passion for people development and learning with coaching mindset and nice flavor of having fun learning on the spot through role plays and simulations.

Link to watch the episode with guest Dunja Milanković Poznić:  https://youtu.be/MoT3H76AUGE?si=bRrD-5KW47XFpuLx

Episode 5 with Katarina Bjelovic, Serbia: Top skills in Coaching

In this episode of the WellBE Interview Series we invited Katarina Bjelovic, an ICF PCC accredited business coach, based in Serbia. Katarina is rather creative as a person and strives to empower her clients’ creativity when it comes to expressing their thoughts and feelings – whether through metaphores and analogies, drawing, visuals, music, Lego. On the other hand, her coaching style is also rather solutions focused, which adds another type of dynamics into her sessions.

Link to watch the episode with guest Katarina Bjelovic: https://youtu.be/r5w2UVoVkPI?si=act_Q5PHto0ajAwc

Episode 6 with Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij, The Netherlands: Narrative Coaching and the Art of Listening

As a consultant, trainer, speaker and narrative coach our guest in Episode 6 of the WellBE Video Series, Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij from The Netherlands facilitates teams, organizations and individuals to discover the different stories that are active and alive. She collects and connects to the stories that are active and alive both in the organization and in individuals and makes people aware of the images and the meanings within those stories that impedes them to release their full inner power.

Link to watch the episode with guest Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij: https://youtu.be/kAJtZtFbeu8?si=p6JOq6dVOJYfMaew   

Episode 7 with Iana Avramova, Bulgaria: Creativity in Coaching and Training

In this episode of the interview series, we prove that creativity is a skill and it can be learned. Full of inspiration series with our guest, who teaches us how to be authentic and creative in coaching, training, and in life! Iana Avramova is based in Bulgaria and is accredited Life & Executive Coach with 10+ years of managerial experience with multidisciplinary teams in Bulgaria and the Netherlands. Author of the European Award Winner for 2019 & 2020 Transformika Coaching Cards – a powerful tool for personal & professional growth, which she created during her first maternity leave, in search of support to the wellbeing of a new mom. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Iana Avramova:  https://youtu.be/kjKUIoboM_o?si=0BKXVHd_haXVyQfG

Episode 8 with Sonja Karbon, Austria: Mindful Leadership and Mastery in Training

In episode 8 of the interview series, we talk about mindful leadership, the presence of the trainer, and the magical skill that creates mastery in facilitation… but before all that, we meditate! This is an unusual episode which starts with brief yet effective check-in led by our guest. Sonja Karbon lives in Austria and has been a facilitator of trainings and workshops since 2009, focusing on mindfulness leadership, diversity and intercultural competence as well as personal development. Sonja is a lecturer at the MCI University of Applied Sciences and was selected by the European Commission for the EUwomen4future campaign in 2020.

Link to watch the episode with guest Sonja Karbon:  https://youtu.be/fzK1rgUuIew?si=GeiJ0LVZMKpwtFNl

Episode 9 with Stien Michiels, Belgium: Embodiment and artistry in training and facilitation

In episode 9 of the WellBE Video Series we have Stien Michiels from Belgium. With her, we dive in the artistic work and embodiment in coaching, training, and facilitation. A seasoned leader and team consultant, our guest is certified embodiment coach, and a versatile artist who has illuminated countless spaces with her remarkable presence and skills. With nearly five decades of life experience, Stien possesses a unique blend of talents and expertise that she employs to support leaders, changemakers, and organizations during times of turbulence and change.

Link to watch the episode with guest Stien Michiels:  https://youtu.be/-w46O17NXO0?si=NPz2RyWx0y3TEp3O

Episode 10 [episode 1 by BEST] with Sylvia Neumann, Austria: Discovering a specific field of coaching

In this interview with Sylvia Neumann, a professional life and social counsellor, mediator and supervisor, working in Austria, we have the opportunity to discover a specific field of coaching. The focus of her work is on helping individuals who are currently unemployed and/or looking for ways how to cope with difficulties and pressures related to such a particular situation. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Sylvia Neumann: https://youtu.be/EnM3NNH7N1Q

Episode 11 [episode 2 by BEST] with Dinka Ahmic, Austria: Coaching for job-seeking

We had the pleasure of interviewing Dinka Ahmic, a colleague from the Austrian coaching and training community. Dinka has 15 years of experience working in the context of the Public Employment Service of Austria, specifically with unemployed individuals, as a group trainer and empowerment coach. In the interview, Dinka sheds light on the unique challenges and particularities of coaching in this area.

Link to watch the episode with guest Dinka Ahmic:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRb2aRdRhg

In 2023, we had a bright group of 27 professionals learning how to embed coaching in their training portfolio on the basis of the WellBE Handbook.

We will be happy to have you as part of the next 2024 cohort. Express your interest HERE

A vivid event in Brussels, initiated by New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT, Belgium), the leading partner of the WellBe project outlined the completion of our work. The event took place at We Work Brussels on December 8, in the form of a transformative conference and workshops spearheaded by prominent facilitators. It marked a sensible shift in the understanding and implementation of coaching for Learning and Development (LD) purposes. 

The resounding message echoed by both guests and hosts was the need for coaching attitude in fostering professional growth and skill development.

The event, attended by nearly 50 guests commenced with an address by Svetoslava Stoyanova, founder of New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT, Belgium), setting the tone for a series of engaging sessions. Alongside other distinguished coaches and facilitators like Adrijana Milosavljević and Milena Nikolić, from Koučing centar (Serbia), the first workshop unfolded the applications of coaching in everyday life and work routine. Thus, the facilitators presented The WellBE Training and program. 

Participants were immediately captivated by the rich content and interactive workshops, as expressed through the instant feedback received on-site. The workshops’ effectiveness was lauded, with attendees commending the insightful sessions and engaging exercises that delved deep into the core of coaching methodologies.

The workshop’s structure was carefully designed to provide an immersive experience. The itinerary included two sessions, which covered:

Understanding Coaching: Attendees delved into the fundamentals of coaching, exploring its definition, roles of the coach and coachee, and distinguishing characteristics through group discussions and handouts. 

Embedding Coaching Principles: Large group exercises envisioned the integration of coaching into various sectors like training, management, leadership, and project design. Discussions centered around the potential transformative impact of embedding coaching principles in these domains.

Practical Application of Coaching: Participants engaged in peer-to-peer coaching exercises using a set of coaching questions. This practical session aimed at identifying and refining professional behaviors through guided conversations, enabling individuals to uncover actionable takeaways for immediate implementation.

The workshop culminated in an interactive feedback session via Mentimeter, allowing participants to share their insights and reflections on the transformative experience.

Participants and facilitators united around the effective tools coaching offers for individual and organizational growth, setting a new standard for learning and development initiatives in adult training, the domain of HR and L&D. 

In 2023, we had a bright group of 27 professionals learning how to embed coaching in their training portfolio on the basis of the WellBE Handbook

We will be happy to have you as part of the next 2024 cohort. Express your interest Here! 

Ready for episode 11 of the WellBe Video Series?

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dinka Ahmic, a colleague from the coaching and training community, as part of our Wellbe project. Dinka has 15 years of experience working in the context of the Public Employment Service of Austria, specifically with unemployed individuals, as a group trainer and empowerment coach. In the interview, Dinka sheds light on the unique challenges and particularities of coaching in this area.

One key particularity in this type of coaching is that it often involves job-seeking individuals who are not necessarily voluntary participants. Many of them come with hesitations, scepticism, and preconceived notions, making it crucial for coaches to build trust and create a safe environment. Dinka emphasises the importance of honesty, empathy, and using her own life experiences to connect with clients who may feel like they are in a hopeless situation.

She also addresses the various obstacles that unemployed individuals may face and she believes in being a guide to help clients become aware of these challenges and find professional help when needed. The joy she feels when hearing from grateful participants is a testament to her dedication and effectiveness as a coach. Dinka’s superpower lies in her ability to understand the unique struggles faced by her clients, as she was a war refugee and single mother.

Let her expertise motivate and inspire us in our professional lives.

To hear more inspiring stories and gain further insights from Dinka, we highly recommend watching the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRb2aRdRhg

Coaching is a powerful tool that can help individuals realise their full potential, and as a trainer, you already possess many of the necessary skills to be an effective coach. In the WELLBE project, we will explore the principles for coaching, and how you can use your existing expertise to become a successful coach. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or just starting, this article will provide you with insights and tips to help you get started on your coaching journey, particularly when it comes to wellbeing.

Here are some differences between training and coaching presented in a nutshell. For more information, please visit our manual for trainers:

1. Focus: Training focuses on developing skills, knowledge, and competencies required for a specific task or job. Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on helping individuals develop their potential and achieve personal or professional goals. 

2. Objectives: The objective of training is to transfer knowledge and skills from the trainer to the trainee. Coaching is concerned with helping individuals identify their goals, build self-awareness, and work towards achieving their objectives. 

3. Approach: Training typically involves a structured and systematic approach that follows a specific curriculum and learning objectives. Coaching, however, is more individualized and tailored to the specific needs and goals of the coachee. 

4. Timing: Training tends to be a one-time event or a series of events that take place over a defined period. Coaching can be ongoing and can continue for an extended period. 

5. Feedback: Training provides feedback on performance based on predefined criteria and objectives. Coaching, on the other hand, provides feedback based on the individual’s progress towards their goals and objectives.

As a trainer, it’s important that you take care of yourself as well as your clients. In order to be able to provide the best coaching possible, you need to be in a good state of mind and body. Here are some tips for wellbeing that can help you stay on top of your game: 

1. Get enough sleep
It’s important that you get enough sleep in order to function at your best. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, and aim for a consistent sleep schedule. 

2. Eat well
Eating a well-balanced diet can help you feel energized and focused. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. 

3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is not only good for your body, but it’s also good for your mental health. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and make time for it regularly.

4. Take breaks
As a trainer, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. However, taking breaks is important for your mental health and wellbeing. Take breaks throughout the day, and give yourself time to relax and recharge. 

5. Practice self-care
Self-care is an important part of wellbeing. Take time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Practice self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, or journaling. 

By following these tips for wellbeing, you can be sure that you’re taking care of yourself so that you can take care of your clients. 

Ready for episode 10 of the WellBe Video Series?

In this interview with Sylvia Neumann, a professional life and social counsellor, mediator and supervisor, working in Austria, we have the opportunity to discover a specific field of coaching. The focus of her work is on helping individuals who are currently unemployed and/or looking for ways how to cope with difficulties and pressures related to such a particular situation. 

Sylvia emphasizes the very importance of empowering her clients and supporting them with regaining their self-esteem and intrinsic motivation. 

Sylvia believes that the main skills and competencies of a coach in this field involve recognizing and addressing body language, working with clients to identify and overcome personal barriers. While the long-term effects of her coaching may not always be immediately visible, she often does observe positive changes and empowerment in her clients. She highlights the importance of active listening and using silence as a method in her coaching sessions, stating that these practices can lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations. 

Our guest also reflects on her own growth as a coach, pointing out the importance of patience and of allowing the client to be responsible her/himself for the coaching process (i.e. taking ownership). Also, two favourite concrete cases of experience are shared with us directly from her coaching practice – join in and follow us to this special field of coaching.

Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/EnM3NNH7N1Q

“Am I truly equipped to coach? Do I possess the necessary skills after the training, and what if the opportunity to practice doesn’t arise soon? 

How can we retain and effectively apply the knowledge acquired during our coaching training?”

These are the questions that emerged during our WellBe mentoring session among the group of adult educators who attended coaching training.  It’s possible that these doubts could occasionally resonate within individuals in the coaching and and other supporting professions, sometimes leading to a sense of being an imposter.

Feeling inadequate or unnatural when trying to apply newfound knowledge is not uncommon. This occasional struggle with imposter syndrome can prevent our progress in this field. But although having this struggle, it’s essential to acknowledge and address these concerns for personal and professional growth.

Initiating with self-reflection instead of immediate self-criticism

Do you feel fake or not natural when trying to apply something new?

Questions group discussed which could be good to start with: 

What is important to you? 

What drives your pursuit of learning and application? 

What outcomes are you striving for? 

What feedback do you receive, beyond your self-criticism?

Is the support we are providing effective enough?

Facilitators shared examples and alternative perspectives beyond labeling oneself as an imposter. The group is encouraged to consider: 

If you could describe yourself in a different way, without using the term imposter, what would it be? 

The overarching need for effectiveness in supporting professions is emphasized—to deliver more, support better, and witness changes in our clients, validating our successful efforts.

Additionally, sometimes we take on all the responsibility ourselves and overlook the role clients should have in their own development.

Redesigning our Coach/Trainer Identity:

In a coaching approach, facilitators proposed two techniques to overcome the ‘imposter’ topic: 

Community of Self: Using this technique, we view ourselves as a sum of many ‘selves,’ where each ‘self’ possesses different personalities and attitudes. And theme when we identify our different selves we try to answer these questions:

Who would take the spotlight during training? 

Whom do we want to dominate? 

How can we build or improve relationships between these different parts of ourselves?

What can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us?

Another beneficial technique involves framing this collective as an ‘Inner Team‘, strategizing how this team (of many parts of us) can collaboratively help us achieve our growth goals.

The Role of External Validation and Recognition

A related discussion emerged about individuals identifying themselves as coaches. What do we need in order to call yourself a coach? Is the certificate/accreditation necessary? Group shared that to them it seems that everyone can label themselves as a coach, leading to the stigmatization of this title. 

The primary focus of the discussion was on the application of learned approaches based on WellBe principles: 

partnering, inclusion, growth, and agility to bring actual value.

Conclusions and Moving Forward

Pausing during training can be very useful, providing reassurance that we are on the right track. Taking a moment to check, ask for feedback, and implement changes on the go.

Relaxing more and enjoying the process without overthinking each step is vital. Learning to believe in the process and in ourselves.

Comparing ourselves with others has its pros and cons. Balancing learning from others to improve, while acknowledging that some showcase content just to sell services, should not discourage us.

The value of the training, mentoring, and content from the Wellbe handbook was reaffirmed, especially regarding the scaling technique—an excellent tool for initiating conversations and contextualizing discussions.

As this was the final group mentoring session on this project, the networking, exchange, and the ‘opportunity to flourish’ during this process, as one participant mentioned, were more than enough for a fulfilling closure. 🙂

About the author: Adrijana is representing the Serbian partner in the project, Koucing Centar
Connect with her via LinkedIn: 
Adrijana Milosavljević, ICF PCC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrijanamilosavljevic/

The WellBE project, dedicated to enhancing well-being through education, acknowledges the pivotal role of coaching in empowering trainers and facilitators to nurture diverse learners. Mentoring trainers in their journey of introducing coaching skills into their work is one of the most important activities in this project. During these sessions, participants explore various topics that change the way they organize their learning sessions fostering an environment where learners of all backgrounds can thrive

We already mentioned in our previous posts and articles that one of the intriguing aspects that participants from diverse countries found compelling was the concept of embracing silence in both online and offline classrooms. This topic challenges traditional teaching methods and encourages trainers to adapt their approach. Silence, when used strategically, allows space for reflection and deeper understanding. By fostering an environment where silence is seen as a tool for reflection, coaching enables learners to engage with content at their own pace. Because of that, teaching trainers how to be comfortable with silence, coaching promotes an environment where learners can process information at their own pace, fostering a more profound learning experience.

Two more topics introduced by our fantastic participants were about handling challenging participants in training and different teaching approaches in order to adapt to different learning styles.

Handling challenging participants in the training

Irma Sijamhodzic, an experienced trainer in customer support and language teacher, facilitated a session on managing challenging participants in training. This critical discussion addressed various questions, such as:

• The extent to which we can anticipate and understand our target audience’s unique characteristics.
• Strategies for monitoring and managing group dynamics.
• Dealing with participants displaying arrogance towards others or the facilitator.
• Balancing the preservation of facilitator integrity and authority with fostering a collaborative and flexible learning environment.
• Approaches to address potential discrimination within the group.

The session revealed valuable insights:

• The coaching approach encourages trainers to leave their egos at the door, making room for open dialogue and collaboration.
• It emphasizes the importance of asking questions that encourage participants to actively contribute to achieving learning objectives.

Tailoring Education to Diverse Learning Styles

The other mentoring session was filled with inspiring content from Jelena Ruzic Petrovic about different ways people can learn foreign languages. This session placed the learner’s perspective at the forefront, exploring how learners can fuel their curiosity, seek out relevant resources, and pinpoint their unique learning styles.

Participants not only discussed these concepts but also practiced coaching skills from the very beginning of the session, setting expectations and asking questions that encouraged deep reflection.

The incorporation of coaching skills into the realms of training and education could be a tool that fundamentally reshapes the learning journey for trainers and students. By embracing coaching principles, educators can cultivate an inclusive, engaging, and highly effective learning environment, nurturing the growth and potential of learners from all backgrounds.

About the author: Adrijana is representing the Serbian partner in the project, Koucing Centar
Connect with her via LinkedIn: 
Adrijana Milosavljević, ICF PCC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrijanamilosavljevic/

What question sparks in your mind when you hear the term “powerful question”? Being one of the core competencies in the art of coaching, recognised by authorities like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), asking powerful questions starts with mastering active listening and presencing in the process. In both individual and group or team settings, a powerful question is one that moves the status quo, shifts perspectives and opens possibilities. The right inquiry can be transformative. The WellBE team respectively allocated a deserved position to the skill of asking powerful questions, placing it as one of the 8 core skills for trainers to embed coaching in their practice, presented in our Handbook “Coaching Skills for trainers”. Here are a few approaches to put that skill into practice:

Powerful Questions in Individual Setting 

In the realm of individual coaching, here are five potent questions to ignite introspection and growth:

• What does success mean to you, personally? This question invites learners and coachees to delve deep into their values and aspirations, aligning their goals with their authentic selves.

• What are the underlying beliefs that might be holding you back? Unearthing limiting beliefs is crucial for personal development. This question sparks self-awareness and paves the way for change.

• If fear were not a factor, what would you dare to pursue? Fear often paralyzes us. This question encourages clients to envision a future free from constraints.

• What strengths have you not yet fully tapped into? Focusing on strengths fosters confidence and empowerment. This question helps clients recognize their untapped potential.

• What small step can you take today towards your desired future? Action is key to progress. This question inspires immediate, tangible steps toward a brighter tomorrow.

Powerful Questions in Group Settings

In collective settings, where diverse perspectives abound, powerful questions can deepen discussions and promote shared understanding. Here are five questions tailored for group, team, or collective exploration:

• What common values unite us as a group? (if you are asking as a member or leader of the team) or What common values unite you as a group? (if you facilitate a process)? Identifying shared values fosters cohesion and cooperation. Once people recognize what they have in common, and what things they all appreciate, it creates a bond that ensures productive collaborations. 

• How might you leverage your differences for innovation?Embracing diversity can lead to creative solutions and fresh insights. Asking such a question also recognizes diversity as a value. 

• What barriers do you collectively face, and how can you overcome them? Acknowledging challenges as a group empowers collaborative thinking and with good facilitation, you can even move the group or the team from seeing the situation as finding a solution rather than problem-solving. 

• What impact do your actions have on the broader community? Encouraging social consciousness encourages responsible decision-making. Thinking of the various stakeholders – especially those that are not in the room, supports system thinking, which fosters a systems mindset and culture within the organizations.

• What can you learn from past successes and even failures as a team / collective? Reflecting on shared history informs future endeavours. Tapping into the past with the goal of collecting positive models and patterns comes from the Solution-focused approach, which can be truly empowering in challenging times.  

The Power Within Closed-Ended Questions

Perceived as a cardinal sin in coaching, close-ended questions can be instrumental in coaching. As a rule of thumb, the coach, and facilitator should ask open-ended questions to broaden perspectives. In other words, avoid asking questions whose reply is yes/no and supports polarity. One might assume that powerful questions are exclusively open-ended, but in my view and experience as a coach, the truth is more nuanced. Even closed-ended questions can be potent catalysts for change, provided they trigger a shift in perspective. It is all about how these questions are framed and the context in which they are asked. For example, asking, “Have you considered this option?” can be a powerful closed-ended question. It may not open up a broad discussion, but it nudges the individual or group to explore previously uncharted territory. The true essence of powerful questioning lies in fostering self-reflection and encouraging new avenues of thought.

Here are some preferred powerful questions, offered by members of the WellBe project team: 

Adrijana Milosavljević, Koucing Centar, Serbia 

“I would say that the magic and power are in simple questions. That could be similar in a group or individual setting. When we see that some insight has emerged, we notice it and ask something like: What is this insight telling about you? What are we learning from this? How can this learning support you in achieving your goal?

Also, my experience is that checking client’s words and phrases and using their metaphors in the coaching process can also be magical.”

Lachezar Afrikanov, Your ideas matter, Bulgaria

“My favourite questions in coaching and training are “What is truly important to you right now?”, “From the outlined steps, which one will you take as the first step after our meeting?” I believe that these questions are compelling in coaching and training because they encourage self-reflection and goal setting. The first question prompts individuals to prioritize their current needs and desires, fostering self-awareness. The second question helps the person or team members create a concrete plan of action, promoting accountability and progress towards their goals.”

Monica Heeger, BEST, Austria

“My favourite powerful question in coaching and training is the “miracle question”, a powerful intervention from systemic coaching (by Steve de Shazer) to initiate a process of rethinking and changing perspectives. When clients are focused on problems, without being able to change their perspective towards solution orientation, I ask the question “Imagine you wake up tomorrow morning and everything is fine, all your problems are gone. How would you first recognise it, how would it feel for you, how would your environment notice it?” I also use this question in group settings, preferably to trigger a training session with goal setting.”

The true magic of powerful questions lies not only in the words themselves but in the space they create for collective or self-discovery, growth, and meaningful dialogue. Whether in individual coaching sessions or group dynamics, the art of powerful questioning is a valuable tool for coaches, mentors, and educators alike.

About the author: Svetoslava is representing the Belgian partner in the project, NMCT: https://nmct.eu
Connect with her via LinkedIn: 
Svetoslava Stoyanova, ACC, ICF 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetoslavastoyanova/

Welcome to the WELLBE manual on coaching skills for trainers!

As an adult trainer, you are at the forefront of supporting individuals to constantly develop their competences and be able to effectively address all challenges the present and future holds for them.

WELLBE, is an acronym from the first letter of each chapter’s title. We believe that adopting a coaching mindset can help you develop the skills needed to enhance well-being and to lead a more fulfilling life – by encouraging self-reflection and awareness, focusing on setting achievable and measurable goals, and understanding the benefits of a non-judgmental attitude. 

This manual is designed to help you achieve optimal results in your training programs.

Chapter 1 WELD: Trainer of 21st Century, by BEST Institut and Alexander Pojarliev, PhD, introduces the evolving role and challenges faced by adult trainers and invites trainers to embrace the coaching approach to further enhance their performance and to provide quality learning experiences to their diverse learners.

Chapter 2 EXPLORE: Coaching principles in training, by Milena Nikolić and Adrijana Milosavljević explores coaching principles that are crucial to a training’s success. These include partnering, inclusion, growth, and agility, which are the foundational elements of effective coaching. By understanding these principles, you can create a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive, and empowering, and which helps learners achieve their full potential.

Chapter 3 LABEL & LINK: Coaching skills for trainers, by Svetoslava Stoyanova delves into coaching skills, including self-reflection, active listening, goal setting, and feedback. These skills are essential to effective coaching and can help you build stronger relationships with learners, promote self-awareness, and create a positive learning experience. In this chapter, you will learn practical techniques to enhance your own coaching skills and mindset.

Chapter 4 LEVERAGE: Coaching in training, by Alexander Pojarliev, PhD, introduces a coaching framework for structuring training activities, with tools such as coaching cards and timelines. This chapter focuses on leveraging coaching principles and skills to create a structured, goal-oriented training program. By using this framework, you can create a roadmap for your learners and help them achieve their goals while building their confidence and skills.

In Chapter 5 BEHOLD & ENABLE: Coaching evaluation, by Milena Nikolić, we focus on coaching evaluation, utilizing Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model and other standard evaluation methods. Evaluation is an essential component of training programs, and it helps you measure the effectiveness of your training and identify areas for improvement. In this chapter, you will learn how to use different evaluation methods to assess your training programs and to ensure that they meet the needs of learners and organizations.

 The ‘WellBE’ in the name of the project, also underlines the profound significance of our mission. ‘WellBE’ underscores the importance for trainers to adopt a coaching approach, extending it to self-care and overall well-being. These important topics, available in our blog, serve as an additional and valuable source for your project, offering comprehensive guidance on the intersection of coaching techniques and self-care for trainers within the WellBE initiative. In addressing burnout, as discussed in the article ‘Burnout and Our Well-being: Where to Start,’ trainers can leverage coaching techniques to manage stress, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care practices. Additionally, understanding the significance of rest, as highlighted in the article ‘Importance of Rest for Our Energy in Trainings and Life in General‘ is crucial. Trainers can guide themselves in incorporating adequate rest into their routines, fostering better physical and mental health. Lastly, adopting new habits and preparation, as explored in ‘Preparation and New Habits for Insightful and Fulfilling Sessions‘ is vital for trainers to effectively manage their time and energy, ensuring they remain resilient and capable of providing impactful training experiences while safeguarding their own well-being. 

Whether you are a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this manual offers valuable insights and practical techniques to help you become a successful coach in training. With its focus on coaching principles, skills, and evaluation, this manual provides a comprehensive guide to creating effective training programs that deliver measurable results. Let’s dive in and explore the world of coaching skills!

Link to download the handbook: HERE