To help the coachee identify his or her positive qualities and personal characteristics.
This will take approximately 10 minutes. You will need a copy of the words given later in this exercise, and a pen.
We all have positive qualities within our personalities, but often do not take the time to identify them. This activity is a simple way of encouraging coachees to become aware of their positive qualities. It is important to encourage coachees to be as honest and objective as possible. A conversation about how they know they have these characteristics, or how they use them, may follow.
Ask coachees to circle the words that relate to them. Ask them to think about how they see themselves , their personality, character, intellect and outlook on life. They can circle as many words as they want.
Accepting | Achieving | Active |
Adventurous | Affectionate | Ambitious |
Articulate | Assertive | Attractive |
Caring | Charismatic | Charming |
Cheerful | Committed | Compassionate |
Confident | Congenial | Conscientious |
Cooperative | Creative | Dedicated |
Dependable | Determined | Disciplined |
Distinctive | Dynamic | Efficient |
Empathetic | Encouraging | Energetic |
Enterprising | Entertaining | Enthusiastic |
Expressive | Fair-minded | Friendly |
Gentle | Genuine | Good-natured |
Graceful | Helpful | Humorous |
Happy | Imaginative | Independent |
Insightful | Intelligent | Intuitive |
Knowledgeable | Logical | Likeable |
Open-minded | Optimistic | Objective |
Organized | Orderly | Original |
Outgoing | Patient | Perceptive |
Persistent | Persuasive | Poised |
Precise | Productive | Professional |
Quick | Rational | Realistic |
Receptive | Reassuring | Responsive |
Self-aware | Self-confident | Sensitive |
Serious | Sincere | Skilful |
Sociable | Spontaneous | Steady |
Stimulating | Strong | Sympathetic |
Talented | Thoughtful | Tolerant |
Trusting | Truthful | Unique |
Unpretentious | Vigorous | Warm |
This list of words could be used as a 360-degree feedback sheet “ the coachee could ask his or her line manager and colleagues to mark the words that they think describe the coachee. A space could be included for the person giving the feedback to give an example. These observations can then be compared with the coachee s self- impression .