Coaching Confidentiality

We also discussed the pros and cons of having an internal coaching program on this particular Insight on Coaching show as well. In terms of pros, an April 2007 Human Resources Planning article highlighted benefits including performance improvements resulting from coaching, particularly for high performers.

The article also stressed how coaching could significantly impact performance for middle managers and what the article refers to as "solid performers."

In terms of the pros of having an internal coaching program and internal coaches, our guests agreed.

As far as benefits internal coaches have over external coaches, examples discussed included greater understanding of the culture within the organization, having more skin in the game, better knowledge of internal players and individuals the coachee may interact with, and impacts on coachee confidence and morale, knowing they have someone from the inside "on their side."

Some felt external coaches have advantages as well though, especially in terms of offering greater confidentiality.

David Lane and other guests were very forthcoming in saying confidentiality is the number one question raised about internal coaching. The biggest question being, "at what point should an internal coach use or report information shared in a coaching session that could impact the organization in some way?"

Coaches out there, share your thoughts!

 
Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting 
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development