Coach Training – one chapter closes and another opens

Posted: 11/03/2009

Back in 2004 we were asked to write a new coach training programme, ‘Inspired Coach’, for the Institute of Human Development (IHD). We began with a different premise to the majority of coach training programmes. The programme would not be based on a single model of coaching. Instead it would be built from the ground up as a ‘principles-based programme’. The key to individuals becoming successful coaches and mentors is a shift in thinking. Stretch, Support and Inspire… do not give advice.

We have received extremely positive feedback for the Inspired Coach Programme and have been asked many times when we were going to create our own. So we are delighted to announce that we will be launching the Pinstripes & Beads™ Coach Training Programme later in 2009. We remain committed to a principles-based approach to coach training and the new programme will be built on the same foundation.

Stage 1 will introduce participants to the mindset of a coaching approach and to the underpinning mechanics that make coaching strategies work. This allows them to make their own choices about the coaching models that best suit their situation. And because no-one coming on a coach training programme is starting from zero, Stage 1 allows them to explore their existing skills to see how they could utilise them within a coaching relationship.

We also recognise that participants need a structure through which they can express the underlying philosophy, so we will introduce them to our coaching map – New Shores©. We will also equip them with core coaching tools so they leave confident and ready to put it all into practice.

Stage 2 will be made up of a series of modules exploring:

  • Diagnosis: getting underneath the stories to pinpoint where the client is actually stuck
  • Systemic Thinking Tools: helping clients explore their thinking fully to get past ‘stuck’
  • Creativity: advanced coaching strategies using visualisation, metaphor, storytelling and art
  • The Business of Coaching: running coaching sessions and programmes, the value of supervision, creating a personal brand.


The majority of people that we train do not want to become professional coaches. They want to develop a coaching approach to increase their effectiveness and enjoyment in their careers. The modular approach allows participants to take their training as far as they want.

Please let us know if you would like to be contacted by email when the new Pinstripes & Beads™ Coach Programme is being launched.