The benefits to hiring external coaches to your business

12.05.2021

Lots of companies have lots of staff trained in coaching skills at various levels and competencies. According to Training Journal 83% of organisations make use of coaching but external coaches are preferred at senior management levels and above.

So why do those at senior levels prefer an external coach over in-house coaches?

Confidentiality, trust, impartiality and results.

Trust is crucial for the relationship to be successful and remember - compliance is not trust. A good coach will have the freedom and skill to challenge and be curious with positive intentions. However, for an internal coach this may conflict with their role or their departments' agenda they run the risk of unconsciously or consciously losing sight of the client and skewing the focus of the meetings. Difficult so a coach from outside the company will minimise any of these problems.

It's not just the internal politics and bias that can get in the way, an in-house coach will also have their workload and coaching is an additional responsibility amongst others. Whereas the external coach has only one profession - coaching. It's not an additional role or responsibility it's their specialism.

An external coach will have developed their own niche and track record and that makes it so much easier to match with senior staff.

An external coach will have no relationship with the coachee, no preconceived bias or assumptions.
Confidentiality, impartiality and boundaries are clear, easier to set and agree.
Trust and rapport are built quickly and is more sustainable.
The coaching relationship will be time-limited with the number of meetings and outcomes agreed at the outset.
The client is very unlikely to be late or miss a meeting.

Illuminate is a not-for-profit delivering coaching and training with a social impact since 2008. We provide skilled specialist coaches for the business community raising awareness and learning on mental health and resilience.