ASU SUNlite Coaching

The ASU SUNlite Coaching program fosters a culture of support, continuous growth and interconnectedness within the ASU community. The program’s vision is to broaden access to coaching so ASU employees can reach their full potential and support others in doing the same. The program is guided by core values of respect, compassion and generosity of spirit.

The program consists of two key components: 

1. SUNlite Coach Training: Recruits and empowers ASU employees to become coaches who inspire and support their colleagues to achieve their full potential. 
2. SUNlite Coaching: Matching coaches with colleagues from other units seeking to receive coaching.

SUNlite Coach Training enables coaches to provide personalized, topic-specific support to improve coachee performance through goal-oriented action planning. Once matched, the coach and coachee commit to meet for six one-hour sessions over six months.

This is not a mentoring program. Mentoring involves sharing long-term expertise to promote individual growth. Coaching is a form of professional development focused on achieving short-term goals and targeted skill development. In this program, coaches listen to their coachees and ask clarifying questions that help the coachee design their own path to success.

Contact the program manager, Shanesha Brooks, for more information about becoming or requesting an ASU SUNlite coach.

Eligibility requirements: 

• Ability to embrace diverse perspectives. 
• ASU benefit-eligible employee.
• Employed at ASU for five or more years — recommended but not required. 
• No advanced coaching certification or training is necessary. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Track record of excellent work performance. 
• Two recommendations from ASU employees, including from your supervisor and a completed application form.

ASU SUNlite Coach Commitment 

ASU SUNlite coaches are asked to make an ongoing commitment that includes: 

• Twenty-eight hours of training over three months, including three training sessions with homework, practice and feedback from master coaches. 
• Four monthly skill development workshops and peer discussions with a master coach.
• Providing six one-on-one coaching sessions with two coachees each within six months.

Coaches are rewarded with the professional development opportunity to become skilled in coaching techniques. Additional benefits of becoming an ASU SUNlite coach include: 

Culture of development: Contribute to a culture of continuous learning, growth and support within the ASU Community.

Expand your network: Build supportive relationships, connect and collaborate with colleagues outside your unit. 

Insight and empathy: Gain a deeper understanding of personal and professional relationships. 

Professional growth: Develop self-awareness and enhance your active listening and problem-solving skills.

Request an ASU SUNlite to support you in creating a personalized, goal-oriented path to success. Our coaches are trained to co-create a supportive environment where you lead the conversation and explore new possibilities for growth. Gain a trusted partner in setting and achieving your goals and experience the benefits of a tailored coaching experience that empowers your journey at ASU.

Coaches do not provide therapy or legal advice. Contact the Employee Assistance Office for counseling and mental health services. 

Eligibility to request an ASU SUNlite Coach: 

• Benefit-eligible ASU employee. 
• Motivation to develop and grow professionally. 
• Specific coaching topic. 
• Complete application.

Follow the process below to request a coach. 

Choose a topic: Select one of the following topics to focus on during your coaching engagement.

• Career development and advancement. 
• Career exploration and change. 
• Conflict management and interpersonal relationships. 
• Seeking and navigating professional development. 
• Work-life balance. 

Request a coach: Submit an application with your coaching topic and goal statement. You must also complete the SUNlite coaching orientation to be considered. 

Get matched: The program manager will match you with a topic-aligned coach outside your unit. 

Start your coaching engagement: Meet your coach and schedule your six one-on-one coaching sessions.