Coaching and mentoring are powerful ways to support personal and professional growth, but how can you find the best research on their outcomes and benefits? In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to access and evaluate the quality and relevance of coaching and mentoring research, and how to apply it to your own practice or development.
Research is essential for understanding the impact and effectiveness of coaching and mentoring interventions, as well as the factors that influence them. It can help you identify the best practices and methods for different contexts and goals, demonstrate the value and return on investment of coaching and mentoring programs, and enhance your credibility and confidence as a coach or mentor. Additionally, research can inform your continuous learning and improvement as a practitioner or learner.
Research and finding the right formula for coaching our followers is critical to an organization's success. There are many great books and programs out there to help, but it is not impossible to create your own program to custom fit the needs of your followers. That is what I did and with training with the created materials, meaningful feedback and collaboration, the result is a better culture and better employees.
- It provides evidence and facts to make informed decisions. Well-researched data helps back up ideas and policies with objective facts rather than speculation. - It allows outcome-focused improvement. Research provides metrics to evaluate what works and where to focus efforts for maximum impact. Data guides continuous progress. - It settles debates with facts. Controversies can be definitively resolved when all parties accept peer-reviewed research results as the final arbitrator over opinions. - It drives evidence-based decision making. Policy, business strategies, new product development and more benefit enormously from being grounded in carefully collected and analyzed data rather than conjecture alone.
Most people don't read and some only read or do research when a problem occur. There are many methods in coaching and mentoring. Finding the proper way is easy for someone who understands the process. One's approach to certain individuals also plays a big role. Remember once people are able to follow you without you having to explain why certain things work the way the do then you're already half way there. Also being able to do what you expect others to do is a great advantage. So encourage people to read on the subject matter, but also explain to the that by simply reading on the matter and having the book knowledge is simply just not enough. So make sure you are well read up on the subject but also able to do it yourself.
When researching coaching and mentoring, there are many sources to consider. Peer-reviewed journals, such as International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, and Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, are some of the most reliable and relevant sources. Additionally, books and book chapters by recognized authorities in the field, such as The Handbook of Coaching Psychology, The Oxford Handbook of Coaching and Mentoring, and The SAGE Handbook of Mentoring, can be helpful. Lastly, conferences and events such as International Congress of Coaching Psychology, European Mentoring and Coaching Council Conference, and International Mentoring Association Conference provide an opportunity to hear from researchers and practitioners about their latest findings and insights on coaching and mentoring.
Evaluating the quality and relevance of research is an essential step after finding it. When evaluating research, consider its purpose and objectives, methodology and design, results and conclusions, as well as contribution and impact. Ask yourself: How does it relate to your own goals and interests? How appropriate and rigorous was the approach? What did the researchers find and claim? How valid and reliable were their results? How does the research add to the existing knowledge and practice of coaching and mentoring? How does it inform or challenge your own assumptions and beliefs? Answering these questions can help you determine if the research is suitable for your purposes.
Evaluating research is not enough – you also need to apply it to your own practice or development. Reflecting and learning from the research can help you improve your skills and outcomes. Additionally, you should share and discuss the research with clients, colleagues, and peers to invite feedback or dialogue on the implications. Finally, experimenting and testing with the research can help you design or modify your coaching or mentoring interventions, as well as measure or monitor the effects of your interventions.
While research and findings on coaching is always a go to resource, its relevance to any organisation can be subjective and contextual. Its critical to note being able to extract the right information and reflect on its applicability in the external and internal context of an organization is important. Coaching is very aligned to the culture, systems, practices and if we dont have an eye for relevant research, applying research will be less helpful
Research on coaching and mentoring is constantly evolving and expanding, so it is important to stay updated on the latest developments and trends in the field. To do this, you can subscribe and follow publications, newsletters, or blogs related to coaching and mentoring research. Additionally, you can join or create communities of practice or interest to network and connect with other professionals in the field. Finally, you can explore and discover new sources or topics of coaching and mentoring research. Doing these things will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field.