Understanding the Value of Coaching in the Workplace

Last updated: December 7, 2023

In workplace coaching, three main strategies come together to boost employee development and performance: equipping supervisors with coaching skills, utilising internal coaches, and bringing in external coaching expertise. Each plays a crucial role in fostering skill development, wellness, and high performance. The most effective approach blends all three, creating a coaching culture that harmoniously integrates these elements for maximum impact. Here's a look at how they work together seamlessly.

Coaching Skills for Supervisors

In any workplace, a thriving coaching culture thrives among colleagues and teams. It's most effective when it becomes a part of everyday interactions, guiding staff and leaders towards peak performance through regular communication and support. This is where coaching skills for supervisors play a crucial role in nurturing this culture and maximising its benefits.

But what exactly do trained supervisors entail?

Simply caring for and developing staff isn’t enough to be considered coaching. True coaching involves trained supervisors using research-backed methods, like the GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) model, to foster development. This model helps supervisors work collaboratively with staff to set clear goals, assess current skills, explore development options, and create a plan for progress.

The GROW model not only promotes personal and professional growth but also enhances team management and performance. Implementing this model effectively requires supervisors to master questioning, listening, and empathy, adapting their approach to individual team members' needs.

Effective coaching in leadership isn’t straightforward; it involves balancing staff development with organisational goals and personal motivations. Quality training programs for supervisors are essential for mastering this balance and using coaching to elevate their teams.

For a deeper insight into how leaders can act as coaches, here’s an insightful article on the subject.

Internal Coaches

In large companies, supervisors often collaborate with internal coaches and HR professionals, who are trained in coaching and career counselling, to enhance staff development. This collaboration ensures supervisors are not working in isolation but are supported by professionals skilled in navigating corporate culture and career pathways.

The rise of dedicated internal coaches is significant, with LinkedIn's 2022 survey revealing that 78% of top companies invest in coaching for employee growth, including well-being, leadership, and diversity. Internal coaches are crucial for maintaining coaching standards and measuring ROI, directly coaching within the organisation and aligning supervisors with best practices.

While not all companies have the capacity for internal coaches, those that do often combine their efforts with external coaches for a comprehensive approach. Interestingly, a trend is emerging where managers and executives are keen on receiving more coach-specific training, with many aspiring to be hybrid practitioners, offering both internal and external coaching services. This shift indicates a growing commitment to a coaching culture within organisations.

External Coaches 

External coaches are key specialists in an organisation's coaching culture, working alongside supervisors and internal coaches as part of the 'three-legged stool of coaching culture.' They bring an unbiased perspective, which is crucial for addressing an employee's professional and personal development needs objectively.

These coaches are often engaged for their unique skills or when specific development programs surpass the internal team's expertise. They usually have qualifications from industry bodies and a background in psychology, making them suited for complex coaching needs.

External coaches offer objective, unbiased feedback and create a confidential space for employees to openly discuss challenges. This approach fosters improved employee engagement, personalised development, and enhanced productivity. Essentially, they're a significant asset in developing a successful, holistic coaching ecosystem within an organisation, impacting overall business performance.

Work With a Highly Qualified Coach

BOLDLY has a suite of coaching skills for supervisors programmes and career counselling for internal coaches and HR leaders. We also have the world's largest database of qualified coaches to deliver external coaching partnerships! BOLDLY collaborates with companies to build workplace coaching capability - no matter what you’re seeking. Start or continue your coaching journey with our help