Building Relationships
Why Building Relationships Matters
Effective coaching begins with trust. Building strong, supportive relationships with your candidate lays the foundation for reflective practice, open communication, and long-term professional growth. When coaches invest in truly knowing their candidates, they create a safe space where vulnerability, feedback, and transformative growth can flourish.
According to the CTI Coaching Standards, reflective coaches who prioritize relationship-building
• foster trust and reliability
• connect candidates with meaningful support systems
• model student-centered reflection
• encourage diverse perspectives and professional growth
A strong coaching relationship is supportive, strategic, personalized, and rooted in mutual respect.
Resources to Support and Strengthen Building Relationships
Explore the CTI Navigate Module
For more information, log into CTI Navigate and explore Module 1: Building Relationships under My Training > Modules. This module includes videos, tools, and reflection prompts designed to support you in building trust, rapport, and authentic coaching presence. You can return to this module anytime for a refresher or to revisit specific strategies as your candidate relationships evolve.
