The benefits of virtual coaching

Well here we are, day 60-something of qua­rantine. We have lost count of the number of days. We’ve cleaned the house, established a work-from-home system, caught up with friends, finished all the Korean dramas on Netflix, supported the various causes on Facebook. Now what?

Don’t leave yourself behind. Continue to look forward and work toward a better version of yourself. After all, you still need to develop new skills, cultivate a healthy relationship with your bosses and colleagues, and you still have to grow in your career. But how does one start, during a pandemic? Is it time to try online coaching? What does it entail and how could it benefit us?

We asked Vina Vidal Vicente, a communications strategist, program designer and facilitator, author, and has worked in expert and leadership roles in various industries, for her insights on online coaching. Here are her thoughts:

Coaching is a process that helps you determine a goal and identify a plan of bite-sized actions to get you there. This exercise focuses on the “here and now” rather than on the distant past or future, although it does take both into consideration. While there are many different models of coaching, for simplification purposes, we will look at the coach as a facilitator of learning. Generally, coaches believe that the individual already has the answer to their own problems, but may need guidance to find it.

These days, most industries are looking at online deli­very, and coaching is no exception. Here are 4 reasons how you could benefit from virtual coaching:

Affordability

Most people are hesitant to take coaching because of the cost. Virtual coaching removes most of the operational expen­ses—transportation, physical meeting room, coffee or food, etc.—and allows the coach and coachee to interact using cost effective tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, Facetime and others.

Accountability and motivation

Coaches are able to frequently check in with you using chat and text messaging in addition to regular progress checkups throughout the week. This helps ensure that you stay on track and get the results that you need. It feels like having your coach by your side daily and with you every step of the way.

Flexibility and freedom

Location no longer matters, and neither does traffic. You won’t need to factor in travel time just to get to your appointments. With virtual coaching, you can hold conversations anywhere and your progress doesn’t need to be hindered by mobility issues.

Time and schedule

You and your coach can better synchronize your schedule. Hold your sessions around your schedule, when you want, and adjust more easily should there be unanticipated setbacks along the way.

Vicente, together with Christine Bata, will also conduct a virtual workshop on “Effective Business Writing and Email Etiquette” on July 9-10.

Inquirer Academy has a roster of executive coaches, performance coaches and communication coaches with experiences in various industries.

For more information about virtual coaching for your organization or the schedule of online courses offered by Inquirer Academy, please email [email protected], or call 0945-2158935 and look for Jerald Miguel. INQ