What distinguishes a good coaching platform? A detailed checklist
There is a variety of terms in the field of coaching. This is due on the one hand to the fact that coaching is not a protected term and on the other hand, because the coaching profession is still very young. This means that there are currently no mandatory criteria that coaching has to meet. So how can the term coaching platform be defined?
Online coaching platform
Based on the definition of online counseling (Reindl, 2009), a coaching platform offers the possibility of digitally bringing an expert and a person seeking advice together. Together they can tackle the challenges that the person seeking advice faces. The interaction takes place via various end devices (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone) and various communication channels (e.g. video, phone, e-mail, other messaging services), so that communication can take place both at the same time and at different times. In addition, the coach can use various interactive tools, such as messaging or whiteboards, for digital coaching. The range of tools varies depending on the quality of the platform.
The coach has the option of using online tools that they can use to support things such as digital coaching. The tools can vary depending on what the online platform offers. Each coach can decide which tools to use in coaching and which ones to consider useful and successful.
Which quality features make the difference?
There are a number of quality characteristics that should be given in order to guarantee a professional coaching process. This article focuses on the most important features. With a checklist you can quickly and easily check how professional a platform is and whether it meets your needs. A good coaching platform should first be very user-friendly. At best, companies, coachees and coaches can easily view and manage all relevant information here. The format is tailored precisely to the respective target group. A good platform also enables companies and coachees to take advantage of the coaching offer transparently – when it comes to set coaching topics, appointments, personal assessments, etc. A decisive quality feature is data protection and IT security, which are of essential importance for the user. Regular quality assurance and the improvement of the platform through additional user support can also be cited as additional features. We direct our attention in detail to the three most important features – target group orientation, transparency of the offer, data protection and IT security.
Target group orientation
The needs and expectations that the coachee has of the platform and the coach, are the starting point on which the concept is based. A clearly structured website and appropriate user-friendliness are the basis of a professional offer. Is it business coaching or is it rather private topics that can be better found in life coaching? This places different demands on the design of the coaching platform, whereby the boundaries in the coaching itself are often fluid.
Transparency of the offer of the coaching platform
The coachee or the company should be able to quickly and easily get an overview of the framework and conditions of use. It should be clear how the coaches are qualified and trained. The scope of the services (number and duration of the coaching sessions) is also an aspect that must not be ignored. If only a few of these criteria are identifiable, the offer should be treated with caution.
Data protection and IT security
Since coaching involves very sensitive data, this feature is of particular importance. The operators of a coaching platform must take active and preventive precautions to protect their data, for example by using SSL encryption. In addition, restrictive regulations for storage and access to data stocks are necessary. Ultimately, it also includes a formulated data protection and security concept.
How can the professionalism of digital coaching offers be assessed?
In the step model by Berninger-Schäfer (2018), a classification model for digital coaching is presented, which is based on four steps. The functionality and complexity of the levels increases step by step. The first level lists the basic media communication channels such as telephone, e-mail and chat. The second stage includes coaching and non-specific forms of collaboration of all kinds such as whiteboards, e-learning and management systems and desktop sharing. On the third level, there are individual coaching tools, behind which are image materials, a list of the inner team and a sociogram. These can be used individually or together. On the last level there is a complex, mature, interactive and professional coaching tool, which has interactive 2D and 3D worlds, competence development, customisation and many other functions. This fourth level represents the most professional form of digital coaching.
Classification based on functionality and process support
While previous classification approaches are mainly based on the functionality and benefits of digital coaching offers, they largely ignore the process level of coaching. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves to our own classification, which differentiates between functionality and process support in digital coaching:
The more sophisticated the functionality of a digital coaching platform, the more diverse the tools the coach and coachee have at their disposal. This is used to make digital coaching as interactive as possible and to implement interventions as is done in presence coaching. A good digital platform should therefore have three basic functions:
- Various communication channels such as chat, telephone, video conference, etc., in order to be able to make contact in a variety of ways.
- Customer service that accompanies the coach and coachee through the digital provision of learning materials and supports them in the event of technical difficulties.
- Transparency and secure management of data, be it the results of visualisation exercises, transfer tasks or goals, documentation of notes or appointments that the coach and coachee can securely access.
The more the process support is weighted, the more extensive the entire coaching process is mapped and automated via the platform. For example, some platforms focus specifically on the placement of coaches, while other platforms support the coaching process holistically. This includes the selection of suitable coaches, coaching process management such as finding and reminding appointments, or the documentation of coaching sessions including document management, an overview of sessions, or saving notes and evaluation results. A major advantage of this process support is the possibility of individual progress measurement. In addition, the coaching sessions can be easily managed for both the coachee and the coach.
With the following checklist you can check whether a digital coaching platform meets your requirements.
Download the Coaching Platform Checklist here
Swell:
Bachmann, T., Fietze, B. (2018) The digitization of coaching thoughts from the perspective of participant observation
Berninger-Schäfer, E. (2018) Online Coaching
Berry et al (2011) A comparison of face-to-face and distance coaching practices
Groß, M. (2017) Innovations in the Age of Digitization
Heller, J., Triebel C., Hauser, B., Koch, A. (2018) Digital media in coaching basics and practical knowledge of coaching platforms and digital coaching -Formaten
Pfister, D., Bimschas, D., Fischer, S. (2011) Experimental Environments for the Internet of Things: Overview, Taxonomy and Practical Use
Reindl, R. (2009) Online Consulting – for the digital differentiation of consulting
Reindl, R. (2015) Psychosocial online counseling from practical to tested quality
Wegener, R., Loebbert, M., Fritze, A. (2016) Coaching practical fields
FAQ
At CoachHub, we believe in the power of aligning individual growth with organisational objectives. Our dedicated coaches work closely with coachees to ensure that their growth plans are directly linked to your company's overarching goals. This includes addressing specific leadership development needs within different departments or teams, and recognising that each area may have unique challenges and requirements.
To achieve this alignment, we collaborate closely with our clients and their senior leaders, taking the time to understand their organisation's specific challenges, objectives, and organisational culture well. By gaining deep insights into your company's dynamics, we can tailor coaching plans that address the specific needs of different teams and individuals.
Our approach is highly customised and adaptable. We recognise that each coachee has unique requirements, and we leverage our expertise to develop coaching plans that are relevant and effective for all participants, regardless of their role or level within the organisation. Whether it's helping to develop leaders, retain talent, improve leadership skills of middle management, or support C-suite executives, our coaching programs are designed to cater to diverse needs and ensure maximum impact.
By aligning growth plans with your company's objectives, we create a cohesive approach that enhances overall organisational success. Our coaches help coachees identify areas for improvement, set meaningful goals, and develop actionable strategies to bridge the gap between their current competencies and the desired leadership abilities. This alignment not only facilitates personal and professional growth but also contributes to the long-term success of your organisation.
With CoachHub, you can be confident that our coaching programs are tailored to address the specific leadership development efforts within your organisation. By collaborating closely with our clients, we ensure that our coaching plans are relevant, effective, and aligned with your company's objectives, driving growth and excellence across all departments and levels.
At CoachHub, we understand the importance of scalability when it comes to your leadership development program. That's why our programs are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a large number of participants simultaneously, ensuring that organisations of all sizes can benefit from our services. Whether you have a small team or a global workforce, our coaching platform is equipped to handle the scale.
With our advanced digital coaching platform, we bring high-quality coaching directly to employees all over the world. The beauty of our online sessions is that participants can access them from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility empowers employees to engage in coaching without geographical constraints or time zone limitations. Whether they're working from home, travelling for business, or stationed in a different country, our platform ensures that they can easily connect with their coach and participate in sessions at their convenience.
The digital nature of our coaching platform also means that participants can enjoy a consistent and seamless coaching experience, regardless of their location. Through video calls, instant messaging, and other interactive tools, our platform fosters a sense of connection and engagement between the coaches and participants. This virtual environment not only saves time and resources but also allows for regular and ongoing coaching support without the need for in-person meetings.
By leveraging the power of technology, our scalable coaching programs break down barriers and provide accessible coaching solutions to organisations and individuals around the globe. Whether it's a small team or a multinational corporation, our platform ensures that every participant can benefit from high-quality coaching, anytime and anywhere.
Absolutely! CoachHub's leadership development program is designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing talent development and performance management initiatives. We understand that every company has its own unique needs and goals, and that's why our coaching sessions are completely tailored to meet those requirements. Whether you're looking to strengthen leadership skills, foster personal growth, or achieve organisational success, our program aligns perfectly with your company's specific objectives.
By customising our coaching sessions, we ensure that each individual receives the guidance and support they need to thrive. We take the time to understand their strengths, challenges, and aspirations, and then craft a coaching experience that caters to their personal growth journey. This way, we can provide targeted development opportunities that directly contribute to their success within your organisation.
When you integrate our program with your leadership development efforts and performance management initiatives, you create a powerful synergy. Our tailored approach complements and reinforces your existing efforts, allowing you to build a comprehensive framework for maximising the potential of your workforce. Together, we can create an environment where employees are motivated, empowered, and equipped with the skills they need to excel.
So, rest assured that with CoachHub's leadership development program, you can easily integrate coaching into your existing initiatives and achieve remarkable results that align with your company's requirements.
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