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INFORMATION FOR

Torch Change Coaching

Torch is an external provider of leadership coaching for faculty professional growth and fulfillment through dialogue, reflection, and strategic action. Torch’s proprietary method for coach – coachee “matching” is designed to connect the faculty member to the most appropriate and effective coach for their needs and goals. Through a series of regular meetings, the coach works with the faculty member oaching participant to identify specific areas for development and provide guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. Coaching goals may focus on personal leadership challenges and/or organizational needs and opportunities. Leadership development coaching may involve the use of self-assessment, 360 assessment, and an alignment meeting with the coaching participant, the Torch coach and their faculty leader.

Potential coaching goals and focus include:

  • Ongoing development
  • Situational support
  • Supporting transitions to a new role or change in current role
  • Addressing problematic/derailing behaviors
  • Overcoming internal blockers to success
  • Improving professional relationships and communication

The coaching engagement is a partnership between OAPD, Human Resources’ Organizational Effectiveness and Staff Development team, the coaching participant, their faculty leader and the Torch coach. This partnership fosters accessibility to confidential, quality, external coaching resources. Costs associated with enrollment and participation are paid by the department/faculty member.

Participant, leader, and coach roles

  • Coaching Participant

    • Drives the partnership with their coach by setting goals and meeting objectives
    • Engages in self-reflection and communicates with their coach openly and honestly
    • Identifies and initiates action steps that drive toward their goals
    • Solicits feedback from their colleagues, (direct reports and peers) and their faculty leader

  • Faculty Leader

    • Aligns with the coaching participant on their development goals and suggests additional feedback that aligns with section/department/program priorities
    • Provides prompt and thoughtful 360 feedback and encourage others to do so. (if applicable)
    • Encourages and ensures that the coaching participant carves out time to focus on their coaching
    • Checks-in with the coaching participant throughout the coaching engagement journey by asking how the experience is progressing, providing input on goals, and sharing feedback.

  • Coach

    • Supports the coaching participant’s development goals
    • Provides situational and professional support by acting as a sounding board and guide rather than an instructor
    • Helps uncover and surface information and perspective by asking questions and sharing observations
    • Provides structure for the coaching participant’s process and growth

Contact Us

Torch Coaching is a reasonable, fee-based service paid for by the Department or the faculty member. Please contact Jessica Cloud, Program Manager, at Jessica.cloud@yale.edu for additional information or questions about this leadership development opportunity.