I was an internal coach at HSBC for three years when I led the Graduate Programs. It was challenging, but I loved it. Hands down my favorite job. It was my first step into coaching and I have rode the wave all these years as an influencer and external coach.
More and more organizations are seeking internal coaches to create and cultivate a consistent, coaching culture within; and they are smart to do so. Promoting and living the company's culture and values will not only save turnover, money, and employee upsets - it will attract the right employees. Those who want to engage and commit to a company with a cause. And one that will actively move them up the ranks into more leadership, if they give their all. This exciting upcoming generation craves mentors, coaches, and leaders that will nurture them all the way to the top. What is predicted is that in an atmosphere with built in coaches on site will create loyalty, trust, and affinity for all.
This is the era of the carrot, not the stick.
Things have changed in 2019. No longer will Millennials respond to the old model of management and leadership - as their time has come.
They will surpass (in numbers) the Baby Boomers this year. Gen Xers (like me) will be the “middle child” of generations – caught between these two, larger powerful cohorts. I see possibilities in my coaching work to be a bridge for these two competing factions (yes, I said factions). This year, Gen Y is going to throw down the gauntlet! And as Gen Xs would say, "Be there or be square".
As Timbuk3 would say,"The Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades". Many researchers are predicting high growth in built-in coaching for corporations.
“The most likely coaching trend to continue over the next 5 years?
86% of Executive Coaching for Results respondents agree: leadership development programs paired with additional coaching.” - FlashPoint
FlashPoint has follow this trend for years: https://www.flashpointleadership.com/blog/the-future-of-coaching-what-do-the-experts-say
Why Internal Coaching Works for All:
Coaches: If your are a coach or a leader in an organization and you want to pitch this idea, here are things to mention. If you have ideas and comments about this article, write in your own prediction and thoughts in the comments.
External Drivers: Competitive hiring marketplace, Boomers retiring, Millennials getting their MBA (including way more women!), shortage of skilled labor, global mobility/emerging markets, world getting smaller, creating trust, privacy, and confidentiality.
Internal Rationale: Losing 'brain drain' after all of that investment (hiring + training + knowledge), retirements of older and trained works falling off, the marketplace, incoming Gen Z, succession planning, leader pipelines, business continuance, innovation, planning, the competition for talent, and what type of access to coaches will there be?, how does fit into corporations.
I was an internal coach at HSBC for three years when I led the Graduate Programs. It was challenging, but I loved it. Hands down my favorite job. It was my first step into coaching and I have rode the wave all these years as an influencer and external coach.
Internal coaching is on the rise because they are becoming a part of the culture. Coaching and living out the values, goals, and tackling challenges side by side with trust and teamwork.
For Corporate Leadership: Instead of about fixing performance issues, now you have a proactive tool and source to get ahead of business and employee problems, that will save you money, time, and lots of aggravation. You will get everyone on the same bus, and the ones that are not into it, will leave quickly. Your internal coach is your partner and your friend.
For Coaches: If you are looking to become a internal coach, target companies that share your values and are open to coaching. Connect with someone who will be an inside champion for you in a position with authority who can bring you in the organization with respect. In addition, the firms values must see the merits in your coaching so they are open to fund and support you.
Contribute your thoughts below!
And for all us Gen X's Life Is A Highway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3sMjm9Eloo
Life's like a road that you travel on
When there's one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind
There's a world outside every darkened door
Where blues won't haunt you anymore
Where the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore
We won't hesitate, break down the garden gate
There's not much time left today
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
Through all these cities and all these towns
It's in my blood and it's all around
I love you know like I loved you then
This is the road and these are the hands
From Mozambique to those Memphis nights
The Khyber Pass to Vancouver's lights
Knock me down get back up again
You're in my blood I'm not a lonely man
There's no load I can't hold
Road so rough, this I know
I'll be there when the light comes in
Tell 'em we're survivors
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
There was a distance between you and I
A misunderstanding once but now
We look it in the eye
There's no load I can't hold
Road so rough this I know
I'll be there when the light comes in
Tell 'em we're survivors
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
Life is a highway
I want to ride it all night long
If you're going my way
I want to drive it all night long
By the great, Thomas William Cochrane