Articles
IMPACTING ORGANIZATIONS FROM THE INSIDE OUT
by Dr. Jeannie Campanelli
Professional coaching for the corporate player is a growing trend. It is attracting much attention in the media as a new service industry. According to the research, the impact of this level of intervention by trained coaches produces significant results. A survey of 4000+ corporations in 1998 by the International Coach Federation and Linkage, Inc. demonstrated that companies are able to name specific benefits from coaching. Those highlighted at the top of the list were, improved performance of individuals and increased profit for the company. Others were, improved client service and competitiveness, the development of people for the next level by increasing their confidence, self-awareness, communication skills, self empowerment, goal achievement, project completion and relationship improvements. A key conclusion from the research was the retention of the changes.
In coaching, the shift moves away from the development of analytical, quantitative business skills and into the realm of more personal, interpersonal and organizational skills. What are the topics that are addressed in the coaching sessions? The 1998 ICF survey found that corporate players turned to their coach for help on time management, career guidance, business advice, relationship/family issues, physical/wellness issues, personal issues, goal setting, financial guidance and creativity.
A coach can play the role of part adviser, part supporter, part sounding board, part motivator, part taskmaster and a creator of a safe place in which to explore any or all facets of one's life. A space is provided on a weekly basis for corporate players to move through an experiential process that focuses on inquiry and discovery in partnership with a coach.
To assist your understanding of what a coach does, the four cornerstones of co-active coaching are the following:
- Clients are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. From the point of view of the co-active coach, there is no need to "fix" clients. The coach does not have the answers; the coach has the questions that create a channel for self-discovery. When a client looks inside themselves, with the help of a coach, they will find that they know themselves, their strengths and their limitations. Clients are more resourceful, more effective and generally more satisfied when they find their own answers.
- Co-active coaching addresses the client's whole life under the umbrella of three principles - fulfillment, balance and process. In the same way that oxygen, fuel and heat are necessary for fire, these three principles combine to create an ignited life.
- The agenda comes from the client. The coach's job is to make sure the agenda does not get lost.
- The relationship is a designed alliance.
It is important to note that not all companies are coachable. The company's focus must be on expanding the strengths of individuals.
Reprints
You are welcome to reprint any articles written by Dr. Jeannie as we offer our articles on a non-exclusive basis. However, the following information must be printed at the end of each article. If used on your website, the URLs must be linked to our three sites.
Copyright Jeannie Campanelli. Used with permission.
Dr. Jeannie Campanelli, Ed.D., CPCC is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. She has a doctorate in Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto with a focus on human development and change. A significant focus in her partnering with clients is relationships, particularly relationship with self. She is currently authoring a book on inner power and self-confidence. Visit her websites:www.innerconfidencecoaching.com
www.coachingcircles.ca
www.menfullyrelating.com