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Online coaching is a great way to embark on coaching and has many benefits.  Consideration also needs to be given to the potential downsides to online coaching so that you can make an informed choice as to whether online coaching is right for you. 

Pros and Cons of online coaching

Benefits to online coaching

In a world where there are never ending demands and pressures on our time, online coaching can offer an effective solution.  

 

  • Coaching sessions can be scheduled to suit your needs

  • No travel requirements

  • The anonymity of distant communication may make it easier to disclose difficult areas  

  • The distance in online communication can create a safe environment from which to explore uncomfortable issues

  • Using online communication you are able to set the pace of online interactions

  • There is no pressure to give an immediate response

 

Things to consider when using online coaching

Online coaching is a great way of working with a professional on a range of areas, whether that be personal development or improving performance in the workplace.  There are a number of considerations when choosing to use online coaching:

 

  • Security and privacy of online technology

  • Confidence that you have sufficient information to decide if a coach is the right one for you

  • How do you know who you are communicating with?

  • What would happen if you needed to speak to your coach urgently

  • Do I have access to appropriate technology to make online coaching feasible and are you comfortable that your technological skills will enable you to use this mode of communication effectively

  • It may take longer to develop trust with your coach

  • Lack of facial expressions, body and voice cues can lead to misunderstandings

  • Technology can malfunction which can be frustrating in the middle of a session, or where a crucial point has been reached


 

What you can expect with online coaching

 

Before you get into the nitty gritty of online coaching sessions, your coach will work with you to develop an agreement that sets out the parameters of the coaching relationship, including: ​
 

  • The reason you are embarking on coaching and what you want to achieve

  • How you and your coach will know if you have achieved your goal

  • How progress to achieving goals will be measured

  • Frequency of contact

  • Contact arrangements for urgent situations

  • Mode of communication

  • Confidentiality and situations where confidentiality may not be maintained

  • How privacy and security will be managed and the contingencies in place

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