Unleashing the Power of Team Coaching: A Deep Dive into Hawkins' 5 Cs

In my work with Global Coaching Delivered, we were talking about our product offering message. Our promises include showing CEO/Founders how they can get back to evangelizing and organize the team to maximize revenue and profits. We conduct a structural review of the senior leadership team to reveal the biggest growth opportunities AND we share our High Performing Team Framework.

That approach comes from the work we’ve done using Peter Hawkins’ work around the Five Capacities of High Performing Teams or the 5Cs.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, teams are the backbone of organizational success. Peter Hawkins, a renowned authority in team coaching, has developed a comprehensive framework known as the 5 Cs, which empowers teams to reach new heights of performance and collaboration. This Harvard Business Review blog post explores Hawkins' 5 Cs framework, which consists of Clarifying, Commissioning, Co-creating, Connecting, and Core Learning. By embracing these dimensions, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams and achieve exceptional results.

1.???Clarifying

The first pillar of Hawkins' framework is "Clarifying," which emphasizes the importance of establishing a shared understanding of the team's purpose, goals, and values. By clarifying the team's direction, members can align their efforts and energies toward common objectives. Both my work as President of Sony Home Entertainment and research I did as a fellow for Harvard University’s Institute of Coaching prove the importance of this to maximize results. ?Effective team coaching interventions facilitate open discussions, encourage active listening, and create a space for team members to express their perspectives and expectations. This clarity of purpose sets the stage for focused and purposeful action, enabling the team to achieve tangible outcomes.

2.???Commissioning

The second dimension of the 5 Cs framework is "Commissioning," which entails empowering teams with the autonomy and authority to fulfill their purpose. Team coaching interventions focus on ensuring that teams have the necessary resources, support, and decision-making authority to execute their responsibilities effectively. By providing a clear mandate and the freedom to make decisions, organizations foster a sense of ownership and accountability among team members. Commissioning empowers teams to take initiative, innovate, and adapt to changing circumstances, driving high levels of engagement and performance.

3.???Co-creating

The "Co-creating" aspect emphasizes the power of collaboration and shared responsibility within teams. This dimension recognizes that exceptional results are achieved when team members collectively contribute their diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. Team coaching interventions encourage open dialogue, trust-building activities, and the establishment of norms that promote active participation and co-creation. By leveraging the collective intelligence of the team, organizations foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and synergy that leads to breakthrough results.

4.???Connecting

The fourth pillar of the 5 Cs framework is "Connecting," which underscores the importance of building strong relationships and fostering effective communication within teams. Team coaching interventions focus on enhancing interpersonal dynamics, improving trust, and facilitating open and honest dialogue among team members. By cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment, teams can navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Effective connections enable effective collaboration, enabling teams to achieve higher levels of performance. Teamwork, Trust and Innovation were core values for my team at Sony.

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5.???Core Learning

The final dimension of Hawkins' framework is "Core Learning," which emphasizes the value of continuous learning and development within teams. Team coaching interventions encourage a growth mindset, promote knowledge sharing, and provide opportunities for skill enhancement. By fostering a culture of learning, teams stay adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty and change. Core learning enables teams to acquire new competencies, embrace innovation, and stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving business landscape

Peter Hawkins' 5 Cs framework offers a powerful roadmap for enhancing team performance and collaboration. Clarifying the team's purpose, commissioning them with the necessary autonomy, co-creating through collaboration, connecting through strong relationships, and fostering core learning are all crucial aspects of developing high-performing teams. By implementing the 5 Cs framework, organizations can foster an environment where teams thrive, innovation flourishes, and extraordinary results are achieved.

To effectively leverage the 5 Cs, organizations must invest in team coaching, foster a culture of trust and collaboration, and provide ongoing support for learning and development. By embracing Peter Hawkins' framework and other Global Coaching Delivered techniques organizations can harness the full potential of their teams and gain a competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.