One of the challenges of coaching is that the term coach is not protected. The fact that anyone can call themselves a coach means that the quality of coaching varies greatly. Us from the Narra team, we have also experienced excellent and questionable coaching. Therefore, in this article we give scientifically-validated hints on when coaching is actually good.
Coaching is good when it is effective in helping you achieve your goals. Several researchers have studied characteristics of coaching processes that leave clients where they want to be.
Check your coaching relationship for the following 4 success factors:
1) Strong working relationship
Studies show that coaching is more likely to get you to your goal if you have a good working relationship with your coach. Interestingly, it is only your evaluation of the relationship that is critical to success and not the coach’s. Therefore, take your gut feeling seriously. Signs of a good working relationship include a clear definition of roles and a growing sense of connection.
2) (Support of) self-efficacy
Coaching processes are particularly successful when you as a client are convinced that you can master difficult situations and challenges. In this case, psychologists speak of self-efficacy. The challenge is that we do not always feel self-efficacious. Therefore, it is up to the coach to support you in your self-efficacy. Studies show that this happens especially when the coach is empathic and acknowledges you.
3) Range of the coach
Since there are numerous coaching trainings, there are also numerous methodologies that coaches apply. Researchers (so far) have not been able to attribute more or less effectiveness to any single methodology. However, they have found that coaches who have a broad repertoire are particularly likely to assist their clients in reaching their goals. We attribute this to the fact that “virtuoso”coaches will sooner or later offer an excercise that suits you and moves you forward.
4) Goal orientation
When you set out for a goal, it helps to know exactly what you want to achieve. Goal definition is a key step in achieving your goal. Yet, coaching clients are often plagued by the feeling that they want change, but don’t quite know where it should lead. This is why coaches are particularly valuable when they help their clients better understand their aim and to put it into words. A clear target also makes it easier to derive action steps.
If you do not find the mentioned success factors in your coaching relationship, talk to your coach about it. Coaches are also grateful to receive tips on how they can improve. If no positive change occurs afterwards, then it may be worthwhile to work with another coach. On Narra, you find numerous coach profiles. A free chemistry call can help you determine whether a coach is for you.
We wish you much success in your coaching process and are looking forward to seeing you reach your goals!
- Anthony Grant in his article “Autonomy support, relationship satisfaction and goal focus in the coach-coachee relationship: Which best predicts coaching success?”
- Erik de Haan, Anna Duckworth, David Birch and Claire Jones in their article “Autonomy support, relationship satisfaction and goal focus in the coach-coachee relationship: Which best predicts coaching success?”
