Coaching - what can it do for you? Written by David Llewellyn
Before I answer that question, it is helpful to confirm what we mean by coaching, particularly in an organisational context.
I am sure that we are all familiar with the role of a coach in sport, to develop the skills of individuals and teams to perform at their best, but the coach doesn’t play the match. Coaching in the business context is very much like that – helping individuals, teams and the organisation as a whole to develop and grow, rather than doing it for them.
Coaching aims to develop peak performance through a focus on specific objectives and goals, although it may consider development of personal attitudes, behaviours and confidence as an enabler to enhanced performance.
The Association for Coaching (AoC) define organisational coaching as “… the specific remit of a corporate coach is to focus on supporting an employee, either as an individual, as part of a team and/or organisation to achieve improved business performance and operational effectiveness” (AoC 2023)
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (2023) suggests that, whilst there are a variety of definitions, the following are generally agreed principles of effective coaching in organisations:
· Essentially a non-directive form of development focussing on improving performance and developing an individual
· Personal factors may be included but the emphasis is on performance at work
· Coaching activities have both individual and organisational goals, for individuals to assess their strengths and weaknesses
· It is a skilled activity which should be delivered by those trained in coaching skills
That sounds great in theory, but what evidence is there that coaching does do what is says on the tin?
Well, there is substantial evidence out there which confirms the impact of coaching which explains why it is a growing part of everyday support in organisations – either through a formal coaching programme or as a part of approach taken by leaders and managers in conversations with their team members.
The Institute of Coaching (2023) quotes research from the International Coaching Federation - [the] benefits of coaching are many: 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills. 86% of companies report that they recouped their investment on coaching and more.
Specific benefits include:
· Establish and take action towards achieving goals
· Become more self-reliant
· Gain more job and life satisfaction
· Contribute more effectively to the team and the organisation
· Take greater responsibility and accountability for actions and commitments
· Work more easily and productively with others (boss, direct reports, peers)
· Communicate more effectively
Our own students at Kingdom Academy who have completed coach training with us quote similar benefits, including:
· Reduced staff turnover / better retention
· Better team cohesion
· Effective management of workloads
· Confidence to manage (rather than avoid) challenging conversations
· Managing staff issues effectively, which protects the organisation from potential legal challenges
· Interview skills
· Improved decision making skills
· Building a better business which is more attractive to potential investors
· Developing a motivated team and a better working atmosphere
· Confidence in communicating to diverse audiences in different languages to support business growth
· A more cohesive team that communicates well
· Developing confidence in using leadership skills which in turn impacts on effectiveness and mood at work
· Empowering others through effective delegation – which motivates them and relieves the pressure on me to do everything
In conclusion, coaching can be challenging and requires time and effort at a number of levels within the organisation but the benefits to individuals and the wider stakeholders are evident and well worth that investment.
Can you afford not to include coaching for your teams? Contact us to find out more about how we can help you - frances.ball@kingdom-academy.co.uk
References Association for Coaching https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/CoachingDefined (accessed 14 December 2023)
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (Aug 2023) https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/coaching-mentoring-factsheet/ (accessed 14 December 2023)
Institute of Coaching https://instituteofcoaching.org/coaching-overview/coaching-benefits (accessed 14 December 2023)
