DEIB for Coaching and Mentoring Toolkit
DEIB for Coaching and Mentoring Toolkit
Toolkit collated by Hannah Wilson
Why do we need to consider Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as coaches and mentors?
As coaches and mentors we strive to create a safe and inclusive space in which every client (coachee/ mentee) feels respected and valued. Coaching is a relationship that builds trust, explores identity and builds a sense of belonging so that the client can be their best self and do their best work for the benefit of their organisation and society.
How can all coaches/ mentors contribute to an organisation’s DEIB strategy?
As coaches and mentors we have a crucial role in shaping individuals on their journey. As such, we have the unique opportunity to educate and facilitate productive conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice.
How do we coach in a more conscious and culturally-competent way?
- We are sensitive to clients’ identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs.
- We demonstrate respect for the client’s identity, perceptions, style and language and we adapt our coaching for the client.
- We are aware of and open to the influence of context and culture on self and others.
- We use language appropriate and respectful to clients, sponsors and relevant stakeholders.
- We seek to understand the client within their context which may include their identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs.
- We consider the client’s context, identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs to enhance understanding of what the client is communicating.
- We notice, acknowledge and explore the client’s emotions, energy shifts, non-verbal cues or other behaviours.
- We adjust the coaching approach in response to the client’s needs.
What is the impact of centering DEIB in a coaching relationship?
- We help clients to better understand the rationale for creating and maintaining inclusive communities.
- We help clients to see why managing inclusion, confronting discrimination, promoting equal opportunity, facilitating access and valuing diversity are key to maintaining inclusive communities and why that matters.
- We help clients better understand their role in increasing DEIB awareness by coaching/ mentoring/ supervising clients as they reflect on their behaviour, think about their thinking, review their goals or explore what actions they could take.
What does a DEI coach do?
DEI coaching is one way to foster a more inclusive workplace culture. DEI coaches can help employees become more comfortable with conversations and situations surrounding identities and different lived experiences.
DEI Leadership coaching is when a framework is designed to help leaders of companies, organisations, and agencies better understand, embrace, and lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within their organisations.
The Diverse Educators’ DEIB for Coaching and Mentoring Toolkit
- Have you reflected on your own identity and lived experience and how this shapes you as a coach/ mentor?
- Are you aware of some of your own biases and how they might be triggered/ manifest in a coaching/ mentoring session?
- Have you reflected on any privileges you may have and this gives you advantage/ power?
- What is your own relationship with belonging in the workplace and how might this differ to how others feel?
- How psychologically safe do you feel in your workplace and would this be the same for everyone?
- How do you show up as an ally and an advocate in your coaching/ mentoring?
- Have you engaged in any specific training to bring consciousness to your coaching and mentoring e.g. anti-racist approaches?
- Have you considered what a neurodivergent coachee/ mentee may need you to be aware of to support them as a client?
Articles
Blogs
Books
Podcasts
Resources
TED Talks
Videos
America’s Coaching Supervision Network
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Coaching Supervision.
Coacharya
The Meaning of DEI and the Role that Coaching Plays in Building an Understanding DEI?
DEI After 5 - with Sacha
The Importance of Coaching in Diversity Equity and Inclusion – with Tara Robertson.