Doerr Institute and Glasscock School to offer leadership coach training in 2017

After piloting a leadership-coach training program for Rice University students and staff earlier this year, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders is partnering with the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies to offer a leadership-coach training program for the Houston community this spring.

CoachRICE will give individuals in the Houston area a chance to earn certification as a leadership coach from an International Coach Federation-accredited, university-based program.

“Globally, leadership coaching is a $2.4 billion industry,” said Holly Tompson, associate director of coaching at the Doerr Institute. “We’ve put a lot into developing this program to make sure we are aware of the very best practices in coach training, whether it is content, delivery or the instructor. We are thrilled that our program was designated as an approved provider by the International Coach Federation (ICF). The Houston community will find this program to be consistent with Rice’s culture and high quality. ICF and Rice together is a powerful combination.”

Prospective students for the 60-hour course, which will run from January through April, must apply online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the class will be limited to 22 students and registration for those accepted is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kim McGaw, director of professional programs for the Glasscock School, noted that CoachRICE fulfills a great need for the Houston companies looking to train individuals inside their organizations to have coaching skills or provide formal training for current coaches.

“They no longer need to send people to other cities for leadership-coach training of this caliber,” McGaw said. “Thanks to the Doerr Institute, we are able to provide that right here in the Bayou City. Imagine the ripple effect that will make.”

Tompson said that the individuals who have applied to the program so far are from very diverse career backgrounds – including oil and gas, medical and accounting, as well as individuals involved with coaching and talent management in their organizations and those seeking career changes.

“Given the applicants to date, we are incredibly excited about the inaugural cohort,” Tompson said. “The makeup of the cohort is as important as the material – it’s going to be a real learning community.”

The course will be offered twice a year and is open to Rice faculty and staff, several of whom have already enrolled. Tompson said she hopes that CoachRICE will serve as a critical resource for developing strong leaders both at Rice and in the Houston community.

More information is available online at https://doerr.rice.edu/coach-training.