This document defines internal and external coaching and discusses considerations for using both in a coaching program. It provides pros and cons of internal versus external coaches, noting that companies are best served using a combination. Tips include training internal coaches externally, using internal coaches for entry-level through supervisor roles, and hiring external coaches for high potentials and higher levels. The document recommends measuring outcomes and empowering clients to choose coaches. It provides resources for further information.

1. ©Center for Coaching
Certification
Center for Coaching Solutions

2. Agenda
• Definitions
• Pros and Cons
• Considerations
• Tips
• Resources
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3. Definition of Coaching
Executive, Career, Business
or Life Coaching is a
strategic partnership in
which the coach empowers
the client to clarify
goals, create action plans,
move past obstacles, and
achieve what the client
chooses.
- ICF
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4. Definitions: Internal
An internal coach is
an employee of the
company where the
coaching is being
done.
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5. Definitions: External
An external coach is an independent
business person with whom an agreement
is established to provide
coaching.
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6. Definitions
• The "client" is the person(s)
being coached.
Source: International Coach Federation Code of Ethics
• The "sponsor" is the entity
(including its representatives)
paying for and/or arranging for
coaching services to be provided.
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7. Pros and Cons: Internal
Soft costs
Accessible
Know culture
and people
Supports
coaching
culture
Confidentiality
Internal
conflicts
Situational
Biases
Competing
priorities
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8. Pros and Cons: External
Coaching
expertise
Standards
and Ethics
Role-specific
experience
Perspectives
Address
sensitive issues
Sourcing a
coach
Scheduling
coaching
Logistics
coordinating
services
Costs
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9. Coaching Program: Internal and External
• Companies are best served
by a combination of internal
and external coaches.
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10. Considerations
American Management Association
• Working with an external
coach is significantly related
to a successful coaching
experience, regardless of the
coachee’s level in the
organization.
• Using an internal coach,
however, seems to be
significantly related to
coaching success only when
it is used for supervisors or
all employees.
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11. Considerations
American
Management
Association
The internally based
methods of providing
training were less strongly
correlated with overall
coaching success than were
the externally based
methods, even though the
internally based methods
are more commonly used.
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12. Considerations
American
Management
Association
Despite the difference between
coaching and many other types
of training programs—the
wisest course of action is to
view coaching as part of a
larger development process.
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13. Considerations: Best Practices
• Work with Internal and
External coaches
• Use external training for
internal coaches
• Incorporate coaching with
Training and Development
efforts
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14. Considerations
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15. Considerations: Coaching for Skill Development
• Communication
Listening, Assertive
Language, Questioning
• People Skills
Recognize personalities
and flex
• Goal-setting
Effective process that
creates change and
motivates follow-through
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16. Tips
• Know the reasons for coaching
• Train internal coaches externally
• Use internal coaches for entry level through
supervisor levels
• Hire external coaches for high potentials and
higher levels
• Create a coaching culture
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17. Tips
• Develop a process for matching
prospective coaches with each
client
• Empower the client to choose
their coach
• Measure the outcomes
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18. Internal and External Coaches
• Create success by using
both Internal and
External Coaches
– Create a coaching
culture by training
and using Internal
coaches
– Maximize coaching
outcomes by
incorporating
External coaches
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19. Internal and External Coaches
• Support
the same
team
• Support
each other
• Coordinate
efforts
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20. Resources
• International Coach Federation
• Center for Coaching Certification
• Center for Coaching Solutions
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21. Resource – International Coach Federation
www.CoachFederation.org
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22. Resource – Center for Coaching Certification
www.CenterforCoachingCertification.com
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23. Resource – Center for Coaching Solutions
www.CenterforCoachingSolutions.com
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24. CCS Resources
• Blogs
• Books
• Free Webinars
• Quick Check
• Outsourcing
• Consulting
• Training
• Coaching
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25. Blog, Books, Webinars
• http://CoachingBlog.CenterforCoachingCertification.com
• Books: Coaching Perspectives series
• Webinars: Free 30-minute monthly, free 60-minute every
other month – sign up for the newsletter!
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26. Quick Check
• Call
• Email
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27. Outsourcing
• Consulting
• Training
• Coaching
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28. Now What?
• Free Consultation
• Choose the Resources
• Plan Your Process
• Implement Your Strategy
• Achieve the Results
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29. Please tell us how we can be helpful!
The resource for coaching results.
Cathy Liska
Cathy@CenterforCoachingSolutions.com
800-624-2559
www.CenterforCoachingSolutions.com
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