Usage of coaching techniques via phone to support leadership workshops

In this article we introduce and evaluate the "Mentoring-Assistance-Program" (MAP), an intervention instrument supporting leadership workshops. The aim of the MAP is to assist participants solving problems they might encounter while a health-supporting leadership behavior is being implemented. Support was given via telephone and referring to prior leadership workshops. The MAP originates from the idea to encourage result-oriented problem-and self-reflection with the help of coaching methods. Therefore, mainly coaching methods are used for telephone support. This article is based on experiences with this instrument gained during an intervention program for workplace health promotion with reference to musculoskeletal disorders. Results were first evaluated using qualitative data analysis conducted on 53 telephone protocols. Subsequently, knowledge about health-supporting leadership behavior was assessed by online questionnaires for quantitative evaluation. Opportunities of transferring this instrument to other areas are discussed.