Some organisations in the UK are now investing more in coaching than they are in all other training interventions. 60% of all coaches in Europe are located in the UK and Ireland. These are 2 findings from a recent CIPD research report.

 
In contrast to these staggering statistics, many of the larger multinational companies where engaging coaches is a well established practise, are cutting back and asking some very hard questions in relation to the value and ROI that coaching is offering to the bottom line of the business.

 
No longer is all coaching being provided by external consultants. The trend more and more is for coaching to come from a wide range of sources both internally and externally. Coaching for junior and middle management is more frequently being done by internal personnel trained in effective coaching practises. The focus here is on developing skills and competencies. This is no longer the happy hunting ground for external coaches because what companies are finding is that the Coach learns as much about him or herself as the coachee does so why not capture this valuable personal insight using an internal coach. It is also relatively inexpensive for internal staff to become qualified Life or Business Coaches in comparison to the cost of employing external coaches.

 
I attended a recent seminar given by Dr. Peter Hawkins, a reputable and well established Business Coach and Coach supervisor in the UK. His view is that the future for External coaches in large blue chip organisations lies in transformational coaching for Senior Management and Directors. This is the trend in the UK and it is also starting to happen in Ireland. One definition of transformational coaching I have come across is “Transformational coaching is about getting people to see themselves in a different way rather than training someone to behalf in a different manner. Transformational coaching is about thinking differently, not just acting differently”.

 
Another trend is in the area of Coach Supervision. As the Coaching profession in Ireland matures, there is more and more insistent from Companies that coaches undertake regular and systematic supervision. This is a welcome trend as it serves to support sound coaching practises and high standards.

 
Finally, a trap that every coach needs to be aware of particularly when a Company is sponsoring the intervention is that there are more than 2 parties in the Coaching relationship whose needs must be met. Not only do you have the client and the coach but you also have to take into consideration the needs of the Company. Traditionally, it would have been accepted that the client set the agenda for coaching. More and more the Company sponsor is insisting on having an input into the agenda to ensure that the coaching delivers on tangible benefits for the company.

 
Until next time, stay healthy and stay safe.

 
Fergal O’Connor is a Business Coach working in partnership with Business owners and SME Managers providing a supportive, confidential, challenging and non-judgemental environment to make their ambitions and dreams a reality. Fergal is also an active Team facilitator assisting Teams to reach their full potential. He is also accredited to deliver the Insights® Discovery personality profiling system and is available for public speaking engagements. Fergal can be contacted at Synergy Coaching Services, Tel: (061) 467287, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   web www.synergycoaching.ie

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