In a bid to strengthen employee development in the agency, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through its Administrative Services Department – Human Resource Division (ASD-HRD), conducted a Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders Training at the University Hotel, University of the Philippines – Diliman on October 16 to 18, 2023.

This three-day course is designed to help leaders gain the essential skills required to become masterful performance coaches. 

In addition to these skills, the course provided the participants with a coaching toolbox composed of practical templates, tools, and job aids they can use to make their coaching interactions easier, faster, and more targeted.

Mr. Al Marcial Bengco, Leadership and OD Consultant at The Foundry Learning Lab, served as the resource speaker and facilitator during the three-day coaching and mentoring training, where he discussed principles and practices used by the best workplace coaches to achieve consistent results, improve performance, and support the continuous learning and development of their team members.

On the first day, the participants explored the fundamentals of coaching and mentoring, coaching strategies in the supervisory role, and communication skills for supervisors.

The next day, Mr. Bengco discussed effective feedback, managing employee development, principles of adult learning, and development planning. 

On the last day of training, Mr. Bengco talked about the roles of mentors in an organization, coaching guidelines, and coaching with the GROW Model. During the training, Mr. Bengco incorporated several hands-on practices and role plays that will prepare coaches for real-world coaching. 

To close the workshop, Mr. Bengco encouraged the participants to keep practicing what they learned during the three-day leadership training. He reminded everyone to never be afraid of making mistakes because it is part of their learning as coaches and mentors. In addition, Mr. Bengco advised them to always take feedback constructively as part of their social learning.

“Whenever we are confronted with change or something uncomfortable, our initial reaction is to resist without understanding. But when you can see a few steps from the discomfort, you might see that this could be a better way to do things, a better future for us. Give it a chance because maybe this can make the organization better,” Mr. Bengco said.

Thirty-nine division chiefs and senior staff from the Central Office and Regional Operating Units actively participated in the three-day workshop.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports from Mary Anne Kristine R. Ramos – ASD-HRD)