Chapter 3: Framework and Foundation 41staff feels safe to take risks and make mistakes. This includes
understanding myriad factors that influence the learning
environment and consciously working to mitigate barriers or
challenges. Leaders must ensure coaching is not done by “name
only”; time and resources must be allocated to staff who are learning
and for coaches.
Coaches: Coaches support the learner in meeting a specified
learning goal. They must allow for the coaching process to be
learner-led and provide resources and support as needed. If the
coach is not the individual learner’s supervisor, he or she must
ensure a communication system is in place to keep all parties
informed and involved in the coaching process. Coaches also create
a coaching agreement with leadership, supervisor, and learner to
ensure all key players have appropriate expectations and a clear
understanding of the coaching process.
Outer ring of the framework: implementation
In moving to the outer part of the framework — implementation —
the community of learning works together to ensure success and
sustainability of the practice or intervention being implemented. At
this point the goal is to build capacity: “an ongoing, thoughtfully
planned effort by all members of an organization to improve how
that organization operates, serves its stakeholders, fulfills its
mission, and approaches its vision” (Stephens & Russell, 2004, p.
241).