In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Amy Lavoie about a new Torch study that confirms how coaching creates a virtuous cycle of positive behavior and change that benefits not just for the individuals who get it, but their wider report and team communities. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Amanda, Jonathan, and Amy had a conversation about a new torch study that emphasizes the benefits of coaching for individuals and organizations. The discussion highlighted the importance of positive culture in organizations and the role of coaching in fostering it. They also examined the impacts of their management coaching program and the importance of self-efficacy and skill set development in navigating complexities and shifts in work and life.
Coaching and Technology: A Conversation on Impact and Accessibility
Jonathan and Amy discussed the findings of a new torch study that emphasizes the benefits of coaching for individuals and organizations. Amy, with a background in enabling happiness and success at work, shared how technology can be utilized to create a culture where people can thrive. Both emphasized the importance of coaching and the impact it can have, likening it to having a personal board of advisors. They also discussed the potential of technology to make coaching more accessible globally. The conversation concluded with Amy explaining the concept behind Torch, a platform that uses technology to connect individuals with coaches based on their needs and styles, and align coaching with an organization's strategies and priorities.
Coaching and Culture: Influencing Positive Change
Amy and Jonathan discussed the importance of positive culture in organizations and the role of coaching in fostering it. Amy emphasized the difficulty of controlling culture, pointing to examples of negative culture expansion in organizations like Wells Fargo and Volkswagen. They expressed a need to understand how to influence positive change and how to effectively quantify the impact of coaching on an organization. Jonathan brought up the idea of democratizing coaching, suggesting that it could benefit leaders at all levels, not just top executives and senior leaders. They concluded the discussion by stating their belief that anyone who takes responsibility for the success of others can be considered a leader.
Coaching Impact Study Results Discussed
Amy and Jonathan discussed the results of a study that examined the impact of coaching in organizations. They focused on understanding the effects on direct reports and key stakeholders of those who underwent coaching. The study, which involved a large sample size across various demographics and industries, found that coaching not only improved the skills, confidence, resilience, and agility of those who received it but also had a positive impact on others around them, creating a virtuous cycle or ripple effect. They also touched upon the concept of emotional contagion, where the improved emotions of the coached individual could inspire similar feelings in others.
Management Coaching Program Impacts Discussed
Amy and Jonathan discussed the impacts of their management coaching program. They highlighted that 94% of surveyed individuals reported positive changes in their managers, particularly in the area of communication. Amy emphasized the ripple effect of these changes, such as more open communication and feedback, improved collaboration, and increased employee confidence. Jonathan added that 91% of employees reported their own skills improving as a result of the changes in their managers. The discussion concluded with Amy sharing specific communication categories that were improved, such as active listening and managing difficult conversations.
Self-Efficacy and Leadership in Work and Life
Jonathan and Amy discussed the importance of self-efficacy and skill set development in navigating complexities and shifts in work and life. They emphasized the need for organizations to pivot quickly and the role of managers in having difficult conversations. They also highlighted the challenges of micromanagement and laissez-faire leadership, advocating for a balanced approach. Amy mentioned the availability of a report detailing these findings and encouraged the audience to connect with her and access the report. She concluded by emphasizing the direct link between coaching and improved company performance.
Listen to the webinar here:
