It goes without saying, we live in unprecedented times. The COVID pandemic, social upheaval, reckoning with racial injustices — all occurring simultaneously — affect each and every one of us in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
We know change doesn’t always come easily — even when we know it’s good for us. Sometimes we need a compass, a path forward. That’s why we believe in the value of coaching — and its principles — for our patients and for ourselves.
At Vera, we’ve even defined a framework to help us navigate and we call it the Vera Way. Rooted in mindfulness, continuous learning, and a coach approach, it guides who we are and what we do — and it’s framed by five core coaching skills.
Coaching tools to guide conversations and change
Effective coaching isn’t spontaneous or accidental. Creating shared understanding and objectives requires a framework. At Vera, we turn to these five competencies that represent the core of the Vera Way. Consider how each could impact the way you engage others — patients, colleagues, friends, and family alike:
Connect — Connection is the spark that unites people and reminds us that we’re all in this together. By building relationships with one another, we develop trust for more open communication.
Listen — Empathetic listening means receiving what others are feeling without projecting your own experience onto them. Focus on the conversation — verbal and non-verbal — and listen with your whole self: head, heart, and gut.
Be curious — Curiosity is about diving beneath the surface: you don’t know what you don’t know. There is something to be learned from every interaction. Ask questions, be open to new solutions, seek to understand before being understood.
Acknowledge — Acknowledgment means to recognize the truths in ourselves and others. When you look for and recognize the intrinsic value in yourself and others, you can build upon these strengths. Acknowledgement allows us to celebrate successes, strengths, and accomplishments and to also see opportunities for change.
Be clear — Being clear sets everyone up for success. Clarity lets you see things accurately and make thoughtful decisions from a place of integrity. You know what is expected of you and others and move in a common direction with clear priorities, timelines, and expectations. Being clear means you are accountable and take responsibility for your actions.
When put into daily practice, these skills pave the way for empathy — the intention to understand what another is feeling by placing yourself in their position — and create the potential for intentional, positive change.
In practice at Vera
Coaching is foundational to who we are and what we do. We train all care team members to use a coach approach centered around the five competencies when working with patients. With the use of these tools, our health coaches can help patients realize that they, themselves, are in control of their own actions.
Empathy is Vera’s “true north” when navigating change — as individuals and as an organization. With empathy in the lead, team members can help guide patients and ourselves through the changes we seek even amidst the widespread uncertainty that makes change difficult to navigate.
Join the health revolution
Join a team of knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated medical professionals who are as passionate as you are about improving patient health and pioneering the future of healthcare. Vera is committed to you being the change you want to see in the world.
To learn more about joining the Vera team, check out our open positions and apply today!
