Why coaching?

This paper describes a piece of academic research that explores the experiences of a group of managers taking part in an externally-provided coaching programme. It describes the background to the programme, outlines the benefits identified by participants and offers a model arising from the research. Data from individual managers on the perceived benefits of coaching were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. This provided the basis for the creation of the ‘Inner and Outer Model of Development’ that describes how the internal qualities of self-awareness and confidence enable and stimulate the five external competencies of management, assertiveness, understanding difference, stress management and work/life balance. Acting as the conduit and mediator between these two groups are communication skills. The research concludes that coaching substantially increases the effectiveness of the links between self-development, management development and organisational effectiveness.