Coaching Techniques: Professional Relationship of Trust

Jim Knight: Better Conversations (Chapter 1: Trust)

The Core Concept: "Trust is a Verb" Jim Knight argues that trust is not just a "feeling"; it is the result of specific character traits and behaviors. He breaks trust down into components that mirror the Granite list almost perfectly. To build trust, a coach must demonstrate:

1. Benevolence: You genuinely want what is best for the teacher.

2. Competence: You actually know your stuff (Instructional Practices).

3. Reliability: You do what you say you will do (Consistency).

If a teacher resists coaching, Knight suggests we check our "Trust Account" with them. Have we made enough deposits (Benevolence/Reliability) to make a withdrawal (Critical Feedback)?

"Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships." — Jim Knight (referencing Covey)

Diane Sweeney: Student-Centered Coaching: The Moves

The Core Concept: "Side-by-Side Partnership" Diane Sweeney offers a unique take on trust: Trust is built through work, not just conversation. She argues that relationship-building (coffee, chatting) is not enough. True professional trust is established when a coach and teacher sit "side-by-side" to look at student work. By taking the focus off the teacher's performance and putting it on the student's learning, the coach removes the fear of judgment. This creates Safety (a key component of Trust) because the "enemy" is the student's learning gap, not the teacher's instruction.

"When we focus on student learning, the relationship between the coach and teacher shifts from 'I’m here to fix you' to 'We are here to figure this out together.'" — Diane Sweeney

Elena Aguilar: The Art of Coaching (Chapter 6: Building Trust)

The Core Concept: "Trust-Building Behaviors" Elena Aguilar connects directly to the Granite concept of "Benevolence" and "Positive Regard." She teaches that trust is not accidental; it is a result of specific behaviors. She emphasizes that a coach must validate a teacher's emotions and context before pushing for change. If a coach tries to be "Competent" (giving strategies) without first establishing "Benevolence" (caring about the person), the coaching will fail. She also highlights Confidentiality as the "deal-breaker" of trust.

"Without trust, there can be no coaching. It is the soil in which the seeds of transformation grow." — Elena Aguilar

Self-Reflection: Think of your last coaching conversation. Which level were you on?

• Level 1: Internal Listening. (Focus on Me). "I was thinking about what I was going to say next while they were talking."

• Level 2: Focused Listening. (Focus on Them). "I heard their words and didn't interrupt."

• Level 3: Global Listening. (Focus on Context). "I noticed their energy dropped when they mentioned 'pacing.' I heard what they didn't say."

The Fix: If you were at Level 1, your next move is to ask: "Can you tell me more about that?" before offering a solution.

*Aligns to Standard 4.1: Communication- Demonstrates effective communication skills (active listening.)