UVA Internal Coaching for Leaders

UVA Internal Coaching for Leaders


Coaching offers a thought-provoking and creative experience for leaders to maximize both personal and professional growth. Through dedicated one-on-one coaching, leaders are guided towards heightened self-awareness, clear goals, accountability, and proactive steps to achieve their desired outcomes. Embracing a positive and developmental approach, our program is designed to empower individuals by nurturing self-driven changes.

Coaches believe that their clients are whole, creative, and resourceful. Clients have the answers within themselves. It is just a matter of shining a spotlight on what is most important, and the attitudes/beliefs that are getting in the way. This can only be accomplished in partnership.

Coaching is not centered on performance metrics, nor is it imposed on leaders; rather, it thrives on the coachee's intrinsic drive for personal growth and transformation.

Note: Coaching differs from Career Navigation services. To explore the services offered through UVA's Career Navigation Center, please visit their website here: UVA Career Navigation Center

Who are the Coaches?

UVA's Coaching Program utilizes a cadre of skilled internal coaches who have obtained certificates or certifications in a recognized and accredited coaching program, or who are in the process of obtaining one. Internal coaches are deeply committed to the leaders they support and share a desire to help others on their leadership journeys.

Our coaches are thoroughly vetted by the Organizational Development Consulting team and agree to a code of conduct and set of standards that ensure consistent excellence in outcomes for coachees.

Coaches who would like to join our program can do so here.

How Do Coaches Help?

Coaches help clients achieve their desired goals by:

  • Asking open-ended questions
  • Listening deeply
  • Showing up authentically
  • Reflecting patterns in speech and behavior
  • Exploring shifts in energy
  • Following the client’s lead

What Does Coaching Look Like?

Coaches believe that their clients are whole, creative, and resourceful, and possess the answers within themselves. A typical coaching conversation is structured to tap into the client's own goals/objectives and uncover the attitudes and beliefs that are getting in the way.

Coaching Conversation
(45-60 minutes)

  • Get a clear agreement on what to accomplish in the timeframe.
  • Discuss guardrails, ask questions, make observations, and listen actively to build greater awareness in the client.
  • Define a specific action plan the client agrees to explore and make observations about the next steps of the coaching relationship.

What Makes a Client Coachable?

Good coaching clients often share similar characteristics that make them open to coaching. The most important aspect is that they choose coaching as a process for professional development. It is not punitive! Coachable clients have a willingness to:

  • Be open and honest
  • Explore all possibilities, even if they seem out of the ordinary
  • Take responsibility
  • Be accountable for following through on commitments
  • Learn from the past and move on
  • Be self-disciplined
  • Let go of old beliefs and patterns of behavior
  • Ask for support

When requesting coaching support, our team will share resources to ensure you have the necessary support and sponsorship around you.