We interviewed Shani Fleming, associate professor in the University of Maryland Graduate School, who participated in the new UMB Professional Development Coaching program.
The first year of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Professional Development Coaching program was a great success. Our coaches worked with 67 UMB faculty members, offering a total of 378 coaching sessions. On the end-of-year survey, faculty reported that coaching helped them to achieve their professional goals and empowered them for future professional success.
The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning designed the program to help faculty reach their professional goals, overcome challenges, and maximize wellness. Faculty work with trained coaches who are not UMB employees and who offer an outside, confidential perspective. This voluntary service is provided at no charge to faculty members and is offered virtually.
To help faculty get a better sense of what it is like to participate in the UMB Professional Development Coaching program, we interviewed one of the faculty members who participated in the program last year, Shani Fleming, associate professor in the University of Maryland Graduate School. Here’s what Fleming had to say about her coaching experience.
What attracted you to the Professional Development Coaching Program?
Well, first, it was free! I’ve heard of professional development coaching in the past, but some programs are pretty expensive. So, it was a perfect opportunity to try a service at zero cost. Second, I appreciated the opportunity to share professional barriers and concerns and help me with goal- and vision-setting. Third, during a pandemic, when the world felt like a chaotic mess, coaching offered me a place to bring order during a disorderly time.
What was it like working with a coach?
I enjoyed the coaching sessions. We immediately connected, and the rapport was great. I truly felt as if I had someone genuinely rooting for my success. My coach helped me define goals and a roadmap to get there. She provided the much-needed accountability and structure I required to meet my goals.
How did working with a coach help you as a new faculty member?
As a new faculty member during a pandemic, professional development coaching was indeed a gift! Feeling overwhelmed in academia during regular times is expected but during a pandemic, she offered a bit of normalcy, permitting me to prioritize myself. She was terrific at goal-setting and holding me accountable. I looked forward to sharing my progress with her.
What goals did you work on in coaching?
My No. 1 goal was to get unstuck in my doctoral process. I took an incredibly long break moving from coursework to the independent proposal phase of my doctoral work. I was stuck in self-pity and self-doubt. My coach helped me with short-term, small, attainable goals and helped me to move forward. We worked together on communication strategies with my PhD chair and addressed barriers in writing. It was beneficial.
What were your biggest takeaways from working with a coach?
The biggest takeaways are 1) It is OK to ask for help. 2) Having another perspective is fantastic and a breath of fresh air. 3) It is also OK when things don’t go as planned. Just reset and start again. My coach provided outstanding resources from planner recommendations and books and journals to consider.
How much time did it take to participate in coaching?
I elected for shorter, more frequent sessions during one semester and more prolonged, less frequent sessions during another semester. One of the most valuable components of the professional coaching sessions was the Session Preparation Forms. It allowed me to track accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the next session. By the end of all the sessions, it was outstanding to see all that I accomplished.
What should other faculty know about working with a coach?
Professional coaching was like having my own cheerleader. We would have mini-celebratory dances over accomplishments. She listened, we worked together, she helped get me unstuck. It was a fantastic experience, and I can’t wait to sign up again.
If you are interested in learning more about the Professional Development Coaching service or are ready to request a coach, please visit our website.