Browsing by Subject "syväjohtaminen"

This study focused on internal coaching, which has been one of the fastest growing forms of coaching, especially in large organisations. An internal coach is a person who coaches other members of their organisation alongside their everyday job. In the field of workplace coaching research, there are relatively few studies highlighting internal coaches' own experiences of coaching. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine how internal coaches have experienced their role as a coach, their perceptions on what has supported and challenged their coaching and the type of coaching competencies they felt were needed to deliver coaching successfully. The study adopted a case study approach. The target organisation was Laurea University of Applied Sciences, where internal coaches acted as developers of staff leadership and interaction competencies. For the purpose of the study, seven internal coaches at Laurea University of Applied Sciences were interviewed. The interview material was analysed by means of qualitative content analysis, using a theory driven approach. The study identified four different ways in which internal coaches described the experience of being a coach. Being a coach meant having the opportunity to be involved in the development of one's own organisation and work community. In addition, coaching supported coaches own professional and self-development. Above all, the position between the coach and the coachee was seen as equal in the coaching. Coaching was also seen to enhance networking within one's own organisation. Coaches identified the support of other coaches and the organisation, resources and materials, and the motivation of participants as elements that have supported or challenged the delivery of coaching. The coaches described various competencies, which they felt were needed for the successful delivery of coaching. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of how organisations can use internal coaching as a tool for the development and learning of their personnel, especially highlighting the coaches’ point of view. The organisations that are considering the use of internal coaches as a tool for personnel development may benefit from this study.