Civil Service Commission Principal Secretary Ian Chingwalu has described professional coaching as critical to improving public sector performance as a key driver towards achieving Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during a coaching seminar organised by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Malawi Core Group, he said Malawi Government has put in place some mechanisms in coaching personnel working in the public sector as part of the efforts to enhance performance of public servants.
Said Chingwalu: “Coaching is very important in driving results in the delivery of efficient and effective public service in a number of ways. Coaching helps public sector leaders develop the requisite skills and competencies needed for effective and efficient delivery of public services.”
He said government has introduced a leadership development programme for senior officers being facilitated by the Malawi School of Government with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Chingwalu said government has also revamped the individual performance management system in the civil service.
He said: “With the improved performance management system, civil servants will be more accountable for their performance so that they effectively serve the people of Malawi.”
In his address to the delegates who included senior officials from the public, private sector and academia, ICF Malawi Core Group president Mavuto Kapyepye called on leaders in both the private and public sectors to make serious investments in the coaching of their employees to enhance performance.
He said: “The transformative power of coaching has a significant impact on personnel and professional growth on individuals.”
Citing a study by Deloitte that shows that companies that invest in coaching their employees experience higher revenue growth than those that do not, he said coaching accelerates skills development and proficiency, increases confidence and overall, boosts employees performance.
The seminar was held as part of the International Coaching Week held from May 13 to 19 to celebrate the power and impact of professional coaching.
