Coaching is a professional partnership between a qualified coach and an individual or a team that supports the achievement of results, based on agreed goals.
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Coaching is a collaborative, solution-focused, results-orientated and systematic process that aims to unlock a person’s or a team’s potential to strengthen their work performance. It is a professional partnership between a qualified coach and an individual or a team that supports the achievement of results, based on agreed goals. It might focus on, for example, leadership and team coaching in virtual collaboration to strengthen the effectiveness of project implementation.
Coaching in projects implemented by PTB in cooperation with partner organizations can address various levels. For example:
On both levels, the coach, as a sparring partner and a facilitator, introduces and supports executives or teams via a creative and targeted process of problem-solving. The coach has good knowledge and experience in the use of virtual platforms (e.g., DFNconf, Tixeo and others) and tools (e.g., virtual whiteboards, live polls, quizzes, word clouds) to be able to work creatively and interactively with the client. Moreover, he or she provides support in the process of improving the professional situation and the shaping of roles under demanding conditions. Coaching combines expertise from leadership, communication, teamwork, and consulting.
Coaching takes place in a safe environment that reflects trust, appreciation, and respect and also allows humor.
Table 1: Advantages and disadvantages of the virtual coaching mode as compared to the ‘traditional’ one
The description of the coaching approach below refers to the virtual implementation without describing the technical options in each individual step. Throughout the coaching process, video conferencing platforms and whiteboards are used for discussions, visualizations, creative work and planning to ensure interactive work.
The key to successful coaching is a trusting, eye-to-eye relationship between the coach and the client. When choosing a coach, especially for team coaching, it should be ensured that all team members can engage with this coach and thus with the process. In virtual coaching, more time has to be set aside for building relationships.
At the beginning of any coaching session, it is important to establish what outcomes the coachee wants to achieve as a result of the coaching. At this stage, a goal might reflect the bigger picture and what the coachee specifically wants from the session itself e.g., identify a strategy or specific actions for moving forward or identifying options. The coach is opening up the discussion using a video conferencing platform, establishing the scope of the coaching and setting ground rules for working together in a virtual space. Ground rules include switching on the cameras and microphones, active engagement, being on time, relationship building, and reducing anonymity.
This stage is about helping the coachee to gain an understanding of their situation and of how the situation is impacting them. The coach is challenging the client to think through possibilities for future action in resolving the situation.
At this stage, the coach supports the coachee to identify the various options available to them and assists in choosing a way forward and deciding on the next steps.
In a final stage, the coachee selects the most appropriate option and commits him- or herself to action. In addition, the coach also encourages feedback from the coachee on what was helpful about the coaching process, what was difficult, and what they would like to do differently in future coaching sessions.
The length of the coaching sequence depends on the issues and the clients (individual or team). Experience has shown that an initial package of 10 coaching sessions (1 hour each) has proven effective.
In virtual coaching, sessions can be split into shorter meetings as well.
Professional coaching fees
In virtual coaching, sessions appropriate video conferencing platforms and tools that allow creative and interactive work are an essential prerequisite. In particular, during virtual team coaching sessions a stable internet connection and an easy access for team members should be ensured.
