Steps in the Coaching Process

Sarkus reveals Seven Cs for coaching in his book The Safety Coach. The book is divided into three sections illustrating (1) the power of reinforcement, (2) the power of relationships, and (3) the power of information. 

The Power of Reinforcement Positive feedback tends to reinforce safe behavior. This feedback should be confirming, or socially rewarding, between coaches and coworkers. Sarkus notes that confirming feedback should be immediate, frequent, and favorable to be most effective (2001, p. 32). Sarkus recommends consistently confirming in favor of correcting to help coworkers become more committed to safety and less fixated on mere compliance. 

There are usually many more opportunities for confirming feedback than for correcting feedback. In either case the feedback should be very specific. Vague feedback, such as Good job or Be more careful, has no place in safety coaching. 

The Power of Relationships. Good coaches build positive relationships. Sarkus discusses four Cs that help safety coaches develop their relationships  

Caring-. Caring leaders develop a sense of community where people support each other. Caring is a foundation that provides meaning to the actions safety coaches take to prevent injuries. 

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