What does Coaching do for the Business?
Business loves numbers and Passmore et al (2006)* presented a variety of studies that suggest staggering ROI figures in their widely acclaimed Industry Guide, which are also supported by research conducted by the International Coaching Federation (2009)** in consultation with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Having worked as an organisational development professional on the corporate side for many years I know how challenging it is to accurately quantify the benefit of development interventions. As a coach and a HR professional on the corporate side, however, I have no doubt in my mind of how the impact of effective coaching relates to the bottom-line and the business. I have seen the results in many organisational situations and have had overwhelmingly positive feedback from colleagues – plus, of course, have benefited from coaching myself.
The education and development landscape is changing. Keeping up with the increasing speed of change in the work environment is more important than ever. Business complexities and ambiguity in decision-making are becoming more and more challenging. Flatter organisational structures are demanding more from people earlier in their careers.
Coaching is the most targeted, timely and flexible option to support individuals in maintaining clarity of thought on their demanding jobs. Coaching also has a multiplying effect: unlike the world of sport it is not a zero sum game. If individuals are the best they can be, they are more likely to bring others along with them. Everybody in the organisation wins - including the customer.