As an executive coach, you know the importance of staying updated on the latest research and evidence in your field. But how can you learn from other coaches who are also engaged in coaching research? In this article, you will discover some tips and resources to help you connect with other researchers, share your insights, and apply your findings to your practice.
Coaching research is the systematic and rigorous investigation of coaching processes, outcomes, and impacts. It can help you improve your coaching skills, validate your interventions, and demonstrate your value to your clients and stakeholders. Coaching research can also contribute to the advancement of coaching as a profession and a discipline, by building a body of knowledge and a code of ethics.
There is some great research out there for coaching. There is equally a lot of bad misinformation from misinformed parties putting out data that is not quantitative but purely qualitative. What I recommend is this: Stick with the organizational institutions known for credible data and research. Places like (but not limited to) McLean Institute, ICF, Deloitte and McKinsey. These be the exact places I often review. The biggest red flag are these micro-online magazines that have no credibility or reach and simply anoint people the best in class or best in their industry. These are the same folks who often put out mischaracterized data. Do your homework so you getting a passing grade.
Finding relevant and reliable coaching research can be challenging due to its scattered nature across different sources, disciplines, and formats. To locate it, you can search for peer-reviewed journals that publish coaching articles, such as Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, International Coaching Psychology Review, and International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring. Additionally, you can follow coaching associations and organizations that offer research resources, such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and the Association for Coaching (AC). Attending coaching conferences and events that feature research presentations, workshops, and posters is also beneficial. Examples include the ICF Converge, the EMCC Research Conference, and the AC Global Coaching Research Conference. Lastly, subscribing to coaching newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts that share research findings and implications is recommended. Examples include the Institute of Coaching, the Coaching Research Lab, and the Coaching at Work magazine.
Please read my first comment above under "Why coaching research matters” - There are some great resources and others that are not so great. Just as you would research buying a new car, home appliance or possible job opportunity, employ the same level of curiosity and scrutiny when reviewing and seeking out data.
Finding coaching research is only the first step. Connecting with other researchers who share your interests, challenges, and goals can be beneficial, such as exchanging feedback and ideas, collaborating on joint research initiatives, and expanding your network. To connect with other researchers, join online communities like the ICF Research Portal or the EMCC Research Network. Participate in webinars, seminars, and workshops like the ICF Research Special Interest Group or the AC Research Hub. Additionally, reach out to inspiring researchers via email, social media, or phone. Doing so can open up new opportunities for learning, mentoring, and career development.
This is so important and yet often overlooked not just by coaches but by those researching the industry. It goes without saying (but here I am saying it) that validating your findings makes it (and you) more credible. To put out something that you know will be well-read and yet not reviewed either by peers or some other manner is both unprofessional and irresponsible. If you are not sure how to begin, consider using Linkedin as source to find others in your community that would be interested.
Sharing your research is not only a way of disseminating your findings and contributing to the coaching field, but also a way of learning from other coaches and researchers. By doing so, you can receive constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement from your peers and experts, as well as raise your profile and credibility as a coach and researcher. Additionally, it can generate interest and awareness about your coaching services and products. There are several ways to share your research, such as submitting papers to coaching journals or magazines, presenting at coaching conferences or events, or creating a portfolio, blog, podcast, or social media account that showcases your research projects. For example, the Coaching Research Lab, the Evidence-Based Coaching podcast, and the Twitter account @coachingresearch all provide great ways to share your research.
Whether it's your research or someone elses, there's nothing greater than taking what you read and learned and putting it into practice. Often times theories remain hypothetical until put to the test. Exploring with new ideas and ways to approach your coaching can be fun and should be promoted more. Who knows maybe you will validate the data or add some insights to the existing research. Either way, it's a win-win.
The ultimate goal of coaching research is to inform and enhance your coaching practice. Applying your research can help you develop or refine existing models, tools, techniques, and frameworks based on evidence and best practices, as well as adapt your approach to different contexts and clients. It can also help you evaluate your coaching effectiveness and impact. To apply your research, review your findings and identify the key takeaways for your coaching practice, incorporate relevant data or stories into your sessions or programs, and seek feedback from clients or colleagues on how it has improved your practice. Ultimately, finding, connecting with, sharing, and applying coaching research can help you learn from other coaches, enhance your skills, and advance the profession.
Applying your research isn't as tough as one might think. In fact, setting up your topic, theme and parameters for your research can be more time-consuming, especially if it's not done correctly. Here's what I recommend: Start backward with the understanding of where you are hoping to apply and share your research. Speak with that platform, institution, people or organization to better assess what they need, look for and how they would like to receive any research. Once you have established your end goal, you can focus on how you get there. Sometimes the best place to look is within your own practice/company. Nowhere does it say that you can't create your own data set based on your SME or area of experience? Start somewhere.