Rigorous coaching research

There are still wide variations in coaching practice and whilst 70% of companies in the UK are using coaching in their organisations, the supply is fragmented and unmanaged with a lack of quality control in ensuring that only professional coaches are used. The profession is now providing a qualification route up to Masters degree level with accredited professional membership to ensure there is a check at the skills and capability level of the coach. The insurance companies are starting to ask questions about coaching, as regulation becomes nearer and claims for negligence are a possibility. Are the coaches you use qualified, skilled and insured and do they really add value to your business. What is their personal history in terms of a business career, specialist qualifications and roles and strategic understanding?

This month the CIPD launces a practical diagnostic instrument to help learning and development professionals better understand some improtant aspects of coaching in their business and show how coaching fits within the wider organisational context. They have also launched a major new research project entitled "Coaching at the sharp end". which focuses on the coaching experience of line managers. Coaching is about building organisational resilience and resources. In these challenging times it is absolutely critical to ensuring the effectiveness of your key people, protecting your investment and reducing stress levels whilst maximising creative responses. It is an essential tool in helping the economy bounce back from recession with the energy and vitality to compete in a new and changed world.

All the coaches at The Performance Solution are qualified in both coaching and an organisational specialism, are supervised and have held senior roles in industry. Both external and company employed coaches who are trained by The Performance Solution meet the robust accreditation standards of the Association for Coaching and Kingston University.