Coaching Colleagues

Coaching Colleagues is an opportunity for faculty academic writers to engage in structured peer coaching. Through this program, you will be paired with a fellow writer to serve as mutual writing coaches, offering support, accountability, and fresh perspectives.

Together, you and your colleague will meet regularly to set goals, ask thoughtful questions, exchange ideas, and navigate writing challenges. These conversations provide a safe and supportive space to explore big ideas, work through concerns, and celebrate progress. Whether you need encouragement to stay on track, insight into a writing dilemma, or simply a trusted colleague to share the journey, Coaching Colleagues fosters a collaborative approach to academic writing success.

Why Participate in Coaching Colleagues?

• Enhance Focus & Productivity – Regular check-ins help keep you on track and minimize distractions.
• Increase Motivation – Having someone to share goals and progress with fosters motivation and persistence.
• Encourage Reflection & Adjustment – Discussing challenges and successes helps refine writing strategies.
• Build a Supportive Community – Writing can be isolating; partnering up helps create a sense of connection and encouragement.

Participant Expectations

1. Commit to Regular Meetings – Schedule and attend coaching sessions consistently, whether weekly, biweekly, or at an agreed-upon frequency.
2. Set and Share Writing Goals – Identify short- and long-term writing goals and discuss them with your coaching colleague for accountability.
3. Engage in Active Listening – Offer your full attention and thoughtful responses when your colleague shares their writing challenges and ideas.
4. Ask Thoughtful Questions – Help your colleague reflect and problem-solve by asking open-ended questions rather than offering immediate solutions.
5. Provide Encouragement and Support – Foster a positive and motivating environment by celebrating successes and offering reassurance during challenges.
6. Respect Confidentiality – Keep discussions about writing projects, struggles, and feedback private unless otherwise agreed upon.
7. Offer Constructive Feedback – If your colleague requests feedback, provide supportive and actionable insights rather than overly critical responses.
8. Be Open to Reflection and Growth – Use the coaching process to deepen your own writing habits and strategies while helping your colleague do the same.
9. Communicate Promptly and Respectfully – Respond to scheduling requests and other communications in a timely and professional manner.
10. Adapt as Needed – Be flexible in adjusting the coaching approach to fit both partners’ evolving needs and circumstances.

Structuring Check-Ins

• Set Clear Goals – Discuss your writing objectives with your partner. These can be weekly, monthly, or semester-long goals.
• Check-In Regularly – Decide on a schedule that works for both of you, such as beginning of the semester goal-setting, weekly progress updates, and an end-of-semester reflections.
• Keep It Brief & Focused – Limit check-ins to 15-20 minutes to maintain momentum without losing writing time. If you’re asking for feedback, try to limit it to 2-3 pages max.
• Offer Constructive Support – Encourage each other, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate achievements.

Sample Check-In Questions

• What are your writing goals for this session/day?
• What challenges are you facing, and how can I help?
• What progress have you made since the last check-in?

Your accountability partnership should be flexible and supportive, not stressful. Adjust as needed to best suit your writing style and goals. With a dedicated partner, you’ll leave the retreat with tangible progress and renewed writing energy.

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