What is digital coaching?

The digital transformation is advancing rapidly. We can shop from the comfort of our sofa, the refrigerator reports missing products via app, and we can keep in touch with our loved ones over great distances. Video conferencing has become an indispensable part of the working world. International teams can work together more easily with the help of modern collaboration tools, and physical distance is no longer an obstacle. Many companies are aware of the great potential of digitization and are also open to the change in personnel development. For example, the effective method of coaching is also following the trend and is increasingly being digitized to meet the need for spatial and temporal flexibility.

A contribution by Johannes Darrmann

Digital coaching means that the person being coached overcomes his or her challenges and areas of development with the support of the coach via a digital channel. This can take place via video conference or also via e-mail and chats and includes all types of digital communication.

Digital coaching formats

There are basically four types and formats of digital coaching, which can be used individually or often in combination with each other. It always depends on the area of application, the concern and the need of the coachee.

1. video coaching

Coachees and coaches work on the coaching topics digitally via video solutions such as Zoom, MS Teams or the company's own tools. Here, most of the information such as gestures, facial expressions and body posture can flow into the coaching, because the video function allows both parties to see and hear each other. Both coachee and coach have multiple sensory channels at their disposal. In addition, video functions expand the repertoire of possible coaching tools and methods. In this way, coaching exercises can also be better visualized - such as through a digital whiteboard.

2. telephone coaching

Another digital coaching method is telephone coaching. These are conversations between coaches and coachees on coaching topics. Telephone coaching can be conducted anonymously or in an open environment such as in a person's own car or in cafes as needed. However, digital coaching via telephony requires a particularly experienced coach, as the tone of voice is the only means of communication. Coaches are expected to listen actively and be fully focused at all times. Telephone coaching is often used as a low-threshold supplement to exchange information on a topic that has already been discussed and is rarely the main medium of communication. 

3. e-mail and chat coaching

Email and chat coaching is a complementary digital coaching method. Coachees can describe their situation and challenges via email or another chat channel digital tool quickly and low-threshold. Through digital coaching via email or chat, minor issues can be resolved on demand and quickly. So this is a good complement to other coaching methods.

4. digital tools and methods

The coaching process can be enriched by various digital methods and tools. In its Development Journey, thankscoach uses video recaps from the coach to consolidate the results of a session. These video recaps, together with a summary, are automatically sent to the coachee via a tool and thus support the transfer in the long term. Automated reminders for session dates and content-related reflection exercises also support the digital coaching process. Digital coaching offers a new way to securely record notes, tasks or recommendations. Writing down the coachee's own thoughts in the tool can also help promote introspection and structure your concerns.

Advantages of digital coaching over face-to-face coaching

The advantages and high effectiveness of face-to-face coaching are well known in the market. Digital coaching provides access to more employees, increases the reach and thus offers further advantages. This is of enormous importance, especially in an increasingly global and volatile work environment.

1. on demand - flexible in time and place

The biggest advantage of digital coaching is that coach and coachee are independent of the location for their coaching session and much more flexible in terms of time. Overbooked conference rooms and long trips are a thing of the past. At the same time, coaching can be conducted from anywhere, at home or on the road, giving coachees spatial independence more flexibility in time. Coachees and coaches also do not have to schedule fixed appointments for short exchanges in between. Questions and answers on specific topics can be sent and answered at any time during the ongoing coaching process.

2. bigger coach selection and better matches

Due to local restrictions, usually only coaches from the immediate vicinity are requested and used. Through digital coaching, coachees can be offered coachees speaking the same language from anywhere and thus enormously increase the chance of better quality in matching for the individual development fields.

3. cost efficiency

The advantages of digital coaching in terms of cost efficiency are obvious. The usually high additional costs such as travel, conference rooms and coaching rooms are saved by digital coaching. It also reduces the increasingly relevant CO2 costs and has a positive impact on the environmental balance. The thankscoach Development Journey also offers automation of large parts of the administrative effort of the coaching process. Customers can also save quality assurance costs when building and matching the coach pool through thankscoach. Coaches from thankscoach have no acquisition costs, which saves a lot of time. This price advantage can be communicated to clients through digital coaching.

4. increased confidentiality

Communication from coachee to coach is also unbiased and completely equal on digital channels. The coachee can conduct coaching in a safe and quiet space of choice. So-called digital distancing also makes it easier for people who tend to avoid or limit social contact to be more open with coaches, creating a solid foundation for successful coaching. Basically, the anonymity of the Internet offers a certain protection for coachees and lowers the inhibition threshold to actively seek and demand support. Playful elements (such as pictures and check-in tools) can lighten up communication and strengthen the coachee-coach relationship. In addition to confidentiality, the topic of data collection and data security plays an increasingly important role in coaching. Here, it is important to choose communication channels and tools from the beginning that coachees and coaches feel safe with.

Tips for successful digital coaching

1. choose right environment

It is important to choose the right setting for digital coaching. A crowded co-working space with many distractions should be avoided and a quiet space should be chosen instead. 

2. set time blocker

Often, coaching requires a higher level of mindfulness and attention. Therefore, it is advisable to set a 15-minute blocker before each coaching session in order to collect oneself and to get involved mentally. It is also advisable not to switch to another meeting immediately afterwards, but to let the experience of the coaching session settle first.

3. selection of the right tools

It is important that coach and coachee agree on the working methods and communication channels at the beginning. Here it is crucial that coachees feel comfortable and familiar with the UX of the tools. This way, they feel more confident in using the technology and the coaching becomes much more effective overall, as no time is wasted on tech onboarding into other tools.

Digital coaching as an effective PE measure

Digital coaching can be offered quickly and effectively throughout the organization without any problems or hurdles. It does not contrast with face-to-face coaching, as the core value of 1:1 interaction with an experienced coach remains and the process is even positively enriched by digital tools. The cost and resource argument additionally supports L&D departments to offer digital coaching in the organization.

The bottom line is that the question is no longer whether coaching can or should be digitized, but how and when it is best digitized.

If you have questions about digital coaching and are interested in how thankscoach can support your organization, feel free to contact us without obligation.