Systemic Coaching: What Is It and How Does It Differ From Other Forms?
Compared to traditional coaching, systemic coaching considers the larger system in which individuals operate. Authors Prof. Peter Hawkins and Eve Turner argue that:
“Coaching needs to step up to deliver value to all the stakeholders of the coachee—including those they lead, colleagues, investors, customers, partners, their local community, and the wider ecology.”
In short, systemic coaching adds a new dimension to traditional coaching by broadening the focus beyond the individual.
As defined by Anthony Grant, coaching “facilitates the enhancement of life experience and goal attainment in the personal and professional life of non-clinical clients.” Traditional coaching often focuses on individual self-awareness. Systemic coaching builds on this by adding awareness of the broader ecosystem the individual operates within.
What Is Systemic Coaching?
Systemic coaching, as defined by coach and author John Whittington, is:
“An approach that coaches the individual client or team with the system in mind—exploring the part in the whole, and the whole in the part—to unlock the potential and performance of both.”
By highlighting the broader system (e.g., organisation or team), systemic coaching adds crucial context to the coaching process. Rooted in Systems Theory, it explores how interconnections between elements influence individual and team development.
Different approaches to systemic coaching exist, but at its core, the method encourages clients to understand and engage with the system they’re part of and the relationships within it.
How Does Systemic Coaching Work?
While techniques may vary, systemic coaching often includes three key practices:
- Applying a systemic perspective
- Visually illustrating the system
- Recognising and aligning the needs of system participants
1. Apply a Systemic Perspective
Systemic coaching is not limited to teams or organisations—it’s a lens. It can be used in one-on-one coaching or with groups. The aim is to explore beyond the individual by acknowledging systemic relationships, dynamics, and influences. Teams themselves are systems that exist within larger ones: departments, companies, industries, and cultures.
2. Illustrate the System
Coachees are often asked to map out their system, using a method called constellations. This might include:
- Sticky notes to represent people or forces in the system.
- Objects on a table symbolizing relationships.
- Team exercises where groups draw visual maps of their system.
The goal is to build a true “inner picture” of the system and identify hidden patterns or tensions.
3. Align Individual and Organisational Goals
Systemic coaching encourages coachees to align their personal development with broader organisational objectives. According to executive coach Paul Lawrence, a systemic approach helps avoid “over-simplistic analyses and over-simplistic solutions.”
What Are the Benefits of Systemic Coaching?
The ROI of traditional coaching shows benefits for both individuals and organisations, such as:
- Greater self-confidence and job satisfaction
- Enhanced professional development and goal attainment
- Improved employee engagement, retention, and revenue
Systemic coaching amplifies these benefits by addressing the dynamics of the broader system.
Tackles System Dynamics
Systemic coaching helps address issues like dysfunctional teams, toxic environments, and recurring conflicts. As Whittington notes:
“Working only at the level of the individual means you may be able to remove the symptom, but the dynamic—if it belongs at the level of the system—will simply re-emerge.”
Improves Organisational Health
Unlike traditional coaching, systemic coaching also focuses on the health of the system. Whittington explains:
“In a healthy system, everyone who has contributed is acknowledged and the history of the system is spoken about—including the difficulties.”
Healthy systems experience more psychological safety, stronger employee retention, and greater motivation.
Getting Started with Systemic Coaching
If you're interested in systemic coaching and want outcomes like:
- Improved workplace dynamics
- Increased psychological safety
- Better employee retention
Consider working with a coach who specialises in systems thinking, such as CoachHub’s Doris Friedl, a certified systemic-integration coach.
She integrates the systemic constructivist approach, Carl Rogers' client-centered method, and Milton Erickson’s hypnotherapeutic techniques.
When choosing a systemic coach, ask:
- What methods and coaching techniques do you use?
Look for language that references systems thinking or systemic-constructivist approaches. - What is your coaching expertise?
Ensure the coach has training in systems-based models like Integrative Systemic Coaching. - What systemic coaching experience do you bring?
Ask about their work with similar individuals or organisations.
The Role of Systemic Coaching
While traditional coaching gained momentum in the 1960s, systemic coaching emerged later, influenced by family therapy in the 1970s.
Authors like John Whittington (2012) and Peter Hawkins & Eve Turner (2021) have helped grow interest in coaching the individual within the system. Jonathan Passmore has expanded this by integrating systemic coaching with other psychological approaches into the Integrated Coaching Framework.
Compared to traditional coaching, systemic coaching provides a broader, deeper perspective—ideal for individuals and organisations looking to create lasting impact across the system.
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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