SIOP’s 2008 LEC on Coaching Open Space
E-Coaching
What is it?
- NOT face-to-face
- Physically removed from client
- What are the technology boundaries? Is it defined by the technology?
Who’s doing e-coaching and what technologies are they using?
- Response from LEC audience:
|
Do you remote coach (ie. Coaching not face to face)?
|
|
|
Responses
|
|
Yes
|
47
|
64.38%
|
|
No
|
26
|
35.62%
|
|
Totals
|
73
|
100%
|
|
Which of the following technologies do you use in your coaching practice? Select all that apply.
|
|
|
Responses
|
|
E-mail
|
40
|
72.73%
|
|
IM/Chat
|
6
|
10.91%
|
|
Social Network (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn)
|
4
|
7.27%
|
|
Discussion boards (eg.sharepoint)
|
3
|
5.45%
|
|
Virtual Simulation (eg. 2nd life)
|
2
|
3.64%
|
|
Totals
|
55
|
100%
|
What are the technologies used?
- Phone (includes Skype, e.g., VoIP technology); but does phone count as it has a longer tradition and provides non-verbal cues?
- Are verbal cues conveyed in writing? What are the boundaries of “technology”
- Video Conferencing (including internet video links)
- E-mail
- Blogs
- Discussion Boards (e.g., sharepoint)
- IM/chat
- Social networking (facebook, LinkedIn)
- Virtual simulation (e.g., 2nd life, avatar)
Questions/Considerations
- How to balance logistics (e.g., billing, contracting, setting limits)
- How do we build/maintain relationships
- What’s the best mix between different media
- Can we expect the same outcomes
- What are the pre requisites (skills, orientation…) to participate (coach and client)
- Confidentiality
- When does it work (when appropriate, What topics are appropriate)
- What are advantages and disadvantages
- Who’s doing it
- Examples of when it works
- What is “it” – e-coaching
- What are the technologies available to support e-coaching
- Are there resources available?
When (Pros/Cons)
- need to be anonymous
- not for profits (cost issues)
- global reach of companies (e.g., e-medicine; geography) allows flexibility and accessibility
- part of a more traditional coaching relationship (immediate just in time feedback)
- emergency
- ex-pats
- person, coachee’s preference (person’s work style)
- In summary, It’s not a question of “IF” but “HOW”
Process
- e-SIOP (E-Harmony)
- Does face-to-face help (initially, periodically)
- Clarity of expectations (re: logistics important on onset
- BEST PRACTICES?
- Need research!
- We need a seminar on how to do e-Coaching Well!!
- In summary, Research and Recommendations towards Best Practices is needed.