For the fifth consecutive year, the Human Capital Institute (HCI) and the International Coach Federation (ICF) partnered to research coaching cultures in organizations. This year’s research focuses on change management and the role of coaching in change management initiatives. There were 432 total participants in this year's study. Coaching is a powerful tool to develop the potential of employees, modify behaviors and drive business success. Because of this, it can help individuals, teams and organizations explore resistance, enhance communication, and promote resilience in the face of change.
Change is inevitable for every business, but success or failure depends on how the change is executed. A change in business usually means the processes, strategies, technologies, and talent has to change. But managing the change at both the strategic and personal level requires thoughtful planning and resources. A coaching plan defines how the organization supports their managers during the change and how they will interact with the employees. There are three primary goals of coaching amidst change management:
1. Enabling the managers to sponsor the change
2. Support the employees during change
3. Help the employees in the changed environment
Typically, organizations apply multiple methods to facilitate change in the organization. Classroom training, e-learning, and meetings with senior leaders are the most common methods. However, according to the survey, these methods are not rated as effective. Rather, coaching is rated as the most helpful activity in achieving the goals of change management. Below are additional results from the survey.
Of what was present in your organization, how helpful was the activity in achieving the goals of the change management initiative(s)? (Percentage reporting Moderately Helpful are not displayed here.)
Organizations should remember that coaching through change is one of the best ways to increase productivity and support change management initiatives. Change can be difficult, but having the support of a coach throughout the change process increases the odds of a successful implementation while building stronger, more resilient employees for the future. In my practice, I’ve seen coaching not only increase in usage over time, but increase in benefit over time as well. Integrating coaching into change management initiatives is a great way to support employees and managers as they navigate the change that is required to drive business success.
Maximize your organization’s ability to thrive through the change process by engaging an Executive Leadership Coach. LandrumHR’s Consulting division offers a coaching service that will help your leaders gain new perspectives, break unwanted habits, change behaviors, and improve relationships. If your organization is gaining new leaders, going through change, growing, having issues with retention or engagement, or working on succession planning, coaching will give you the extra edge you need. Learn more about LandrumHR's coaching service.
By Annetta Johnson
Annetta is a business-focused executive with twenty-five years’ experience. She served as a strategic HR leader with International Paper, The Dow Chemical Company, Reichhold Chemical, and Arysta LifeScience. Annetta received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Haslam School of Business, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her MBA at Western Carolina. She received her business coaching certificate from North Carolina State University and is an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation. She earned the senior human resource professional credential of SPHR and SHRM-CP. Additionally, she is certified to use the DiSC behavioral assessment.