Team coaching is a process in which a coach helps a team to resolve problems, realise potential and achieve goals.
What is the difference between individual and team coaching?
Individual coaching is done on a 1-on-1 basis. The success of individual coaching is measured in how effective we were in achieving the goals and client satisfaction.
Team coaching is done 1 per team. We view the team as one meaningful whole. We don’t look at individual goals within the team, although we don’t ignore them, but focus on what the whole team would need. We also take into account the clients – those who have commissioned the coaching and who will pay for it: what they want, what goals they have for the team, what they want to develop in the team, etc.
What is team coaching NOT?
Team coaching is not team building (bringing the team together on an informal level), team training (coaching certain skills e.g. communication skills), team counselling (advising the team on what to do differently…), team mentoring (the mentor sharing his/her experience with the team) or team facilitation (e.g. World Café).
How does team coaching work?
First, we have a discussion with the client about what the problems are, in order to confirm whether team coaching is the right approach. Then an analysis of the situation is made. It can be through different questionnaires, interviews or 360° assessments. These results are presented to the team and the clients and then common objectives are developed. This is followed by an action plan on how the team will pursue these goals, which ones they will achieve on their own and which ones they need the help of a coach.
Does the leader also have to take part in team coaching?
The answer is YES. The team leader is part of the team and therefore it is essential that he/she participates in such an activity. He/she is a role model for the whole team.
Benefits of team coaching:
- Improving communication within and outside the team,
- increased psychological safety and trust,
- conflict resolution,
- increased cooperation,
- improved employee engagement and motivation,
- aligning or setting new, more effective goals,
- improved productivity,
- improved leadership.
When to choose team coaching?
When you notice that team relations are not good and when you realise that the team is not achieving the goals or the level of productivity it should.
There are several reasons, but the first step is always a diagnosis… a discussion with the team leader to establish the problem and whether team coaching is necessary.
Team coaching is not only needed when something is wrong, when the team is not working well, not achieving its goals and not being productive. Team coaching is also recommended when the team wants to progress and develop.