Research Paper By Lianne Steeghs
(Financial Services Coach, NETHERLANDS)
Synopsis
The intent of this paper is to discuss the concept of developing coaching capability in organizations. The elements included for discussion will be the contextual factors of coaching in organizations; and the decisions organizations should consider, to ensuring an effective structure for development and embedding coaching in their organization.
Many organizations use coaching as a valuable learning & development tool for leadership and members who are offered coaching to support personal development and professional performance. Coaching is provided either by external coaches or by internal managers who (have been trained to) master coaching skills.
The development of internal coaching capability is being observed more and more. Within the Dutch government the ‘Intercoach’ initiative has led to a pool of directors, trained to coach the leaders of other departments. A global company in international financial services is currently designing training programs to develop internal coaching capability on several levels within the organization.
Key words:internal coaching capability, elements, contextual factors, coaching decisions.
Introduction
Literature provides a large body of opinion with regards to how organizations benefit from providing coaching to its members. Strategic organizations, coaching professionals, training companies and other professionals in the field of organizational development tend to agree on the benefits of coaching for organizations.
When it comes to discussing approaches for how to design, develop and implement internal coaching capability opinions differ. Companies who have a need for coaching capability may consult professional coaches for advice and service, or contact training suppliers offering coaching skills training as a solution.
Common denominator however is that internal coaching capability is contextual and exploring the contextual factors first in combination with coaching decisions to be made, provide the starting points for creating effective coaching capability in organizations.
Coaching context
Considering coaching as contextual, it is important to take organizational factors into account when taking coaching decisions and when developing the coaching design.
Contextual factors that affect coaching are: