Digital coaching and the (surprising) effectiveness of going virtual

Picture your employees satisfied, committed, feeling good and performing better and better every day. It’s possible with the help of digital coaching.

"How," you ask? Digital coaching, often referred to as virtual coaching or mobile coaching, can help raise the bar for your organization, your culture, and your employees' performance and satisfaction. But first, let’s paint a picture.

The power of digital coaching

Envision happy, healthy, motivated employees enthusiastically getting stuff done. Leaders inspire and guide rather than issue orders or instill fear.

Every team member is aware of their strengths and potential. They each work to become the best version of themselves to contribute to the company’s shared vision and achieve their own aspirations.

What's more — the whole process is tech-enabled. It’s so smart that it can identify what people need, when they need it, and help employees reach their full potential.

It might sound too good to be true, but this is already a reality for many companies.

Their secret is not magic — it’s digital coaching.

To help you understand the power of digital coaching, let’s first take a look at exactly what it is. We’ll then dive into how you can implement it at your company. 

Digital coaching is tech-enabled coaching that supports individuals — in both their personal and professional lives — to become the best version of themselves. Even though it is tech-enabled, you are still being coached by a live human!

A good digital coaching platform leverages AI and digital learning to deliver a transformational experience that helps participants to reach their full potential. The technology allows better precision-targeting of interventions to make it more effective and to reach more people than you could accomplish strictly in the analog world. 

Life is unpredictable, and the work environment is ever-changing. A digital coach can help you navigate the challenges thrown at you.

Digital and virtual coaching provide a safe space to discuss your goals and challenges. Some people find the slight distance helps them be even more honest. For most, the fidelity of the virtual experience is such that they connect with their coach and don't feel a loss of physical presence.

Not only does a coach in a digital coaching environment help you explore different parts of yourself, but they can also assist you in designing a personalized development plan.

Traditional coaching vs. digital coaching

In traditional coaching, coaches meet clients face-to-face. This means clients are limited to coaches in their geographic area. 

But unlike face-to-face coaching, digital coaching brings you all the benefits of traditional coaching, but with a broader access to numerous coaches. 

Instead of being limited to coaches in specific geographic areas, you now have access to top coaches all over the world. This makes it easy to find an expert coach who can help you with your individual needs.

Digital coaching is data-driven and based on scientific research. For example, an online coaching platform can develop a targeted coaching strategy for a whole team. 

To do this, it identifies who is ready for coaching and in which areas. It’s lightyears more efficient than traditional coaching, which relies purely on human assessment.

When you choose the right platform, the potential of digital coaching for both employers and employees is limitless. 

Online coaching apps can connect you with a global network of coaches, across time zones and in dozens of languages.

This allows employees to choose from a wide range of coaches and specialties to find the perfect fit. Remember, finding the right coach and developing the right relationship is key to a successful coaching experience.

Some coaching platforms even have proprietary AI that can help companies identify the right people for coaching and their specific developmental needs. An algorithm then recommends the specific kind of coach, the type of coaching needed, and curated content. 

Done right, personalized coaching brings out the best in each individual. While goal-setting helps them get clear about their objectives.

Coaches carry out regular assessments of areas of growth to accelerate employee results.

Each employee also receives a curated content library. This contains practical strategies for growth developed by leading behavioral science researchers.

Digital coaching is practical and interactive. Clients receive homework assignments, reading texts, digital reminders, and accountability check-ins.

Through digital coaching, employees learn new skills and discover tools and resources. These help them meet new challenges as they move forward.

Specialist digital coaches help employees set their individual goals. They adapt the coaching program to the individual’s preferred learning style.

Coaches measure progress and empower employees to keep moving forward to achieve their goals. 

The coach can then use this data to adapt the program to both the employee and the organization.

Benefits of digital coaching

Challenges of digital coaching

Digital coaching is effective

Research shows that digital, face-to-face coaching is just as effective as in-person coaching since the most critical factor in the coaching program’s success is the relationship between coach and client. With a high-quality, credentialed, certified, dedicated coach — and a high-quality technology platform — there's no loss of efficacy in the experience of "digital."

The right coach will help you achieve your goals, whether you meet them in person or online.

The workforce is online

With about 70% of the workforce moving to an entirely remote or hybrid model, employers are looking for ways to meet employees where they are. Beyond convenience, taking the extra step of supporting employees from their own homes has additional benefits.

Employees do not have to choose between joining a coaching session and tending to their families and other household responsibilities. This can lift some of the immense pressure workers already feel to "do it all."

Digital coaching benefits multiple parties

Many businesses understand that digital coaching benefits both the individual and the organization.

With clearer minds and more headspace, employees are shown to be more productive and happier overall at work.

That’s why digital coaching is now the preferred method of coaching among young people and entrepreneurs.

Everyone in your organization can benefit from digital coaching. Let’s take a look at how.

Junior staff 

Digital coaching platforms use AI to help managers spot individuals with potential. 

This allows them to plan strategic coaching programs that contribute to the goals of both the employee and the organization.

Middle management

Many organizations have realized the value of creating a company culture of coaching. 

By training middle management in coaching skills, they can help them maximize their team’s performance. 

Managers can teach their teammates problem-solving skills. They encourage employee development by guiding and asking questions rather than giving orders.

Executives and leaders

Organizations have long understood the importance of leadership coaching and executive coaching.

According to the Institute of Coaching, 70% of people who receive executive coaching report improved performance, relationships, and communication skills.

They also found 86% of companies report that leadership development coaching has a good return on investment.

Executive coaching reduces procrastination and helps leaders achieve their goals more quickly.

Individuals

But it’s not just businesses that are waking up to the power of digital coaching. 

Many individuals are now signing up for personal coaching to help them excel in all areas of their lives — from health and relationships to work and career.

Hiring a coach can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. 

It can also help you develop new skills, such as problem-solving, and become more resilient during change.

Coaches

Coaches need coaches, too. As the digital coaching market booms, professional coaches need to follow their own advice to stay ahead of competitors and on top of their game.

If you and your team members are ready to embark on a digital coaching experience, use the questions below to select the best coach for the job.

Questions to ask yourself

1. What are my goals?

You will set goals as part of the coaching process. However, you should also think about what you want to achieve before starting a digital coaching program.

Ask yourself where you see yourself in one, five, or 10 years from now — and don’t be afraid to dream big!

Keeping these goals in mind will help you select the right digital coaching program for you.

2. What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Digital coaching can help you work on your strengths to maximize your potential. 

Look for ways your strengths match your goals and aim to focus on the ones most likely to help you achieve them.

It’s also essential to be aware of your weaknesses and blind spots to address any gaps in your development.

3. What kind of coach do I want?

Some people like a coach who’s tough on them, while others prefer a gentler approach. 

Think about what kind of relationship you want to have with your digital coach before you start interviewing.

Questions to ask your potential coach

Ask your potential coach the followingquestions to determine whether they are a good fit for you.

1. Where did you train?

Coaching is still an unregulated sector, meaning pretty much anyone can call themselves a coach.

Look for a qualified coach who specializes in the area you need help with. 

For example, if you’re looking for a health coach, hire someone who’s been through a professional health coach training program.

2. What do you look for in a client?

This question will give you a better idea of how the coach works, who they work with, and whether they have experience helping people similar to you.

3. Why are you the right coach forme?

Every coach is unique, no matter where they trained or what credentials they have. 

Each one brings their personal experience and perspective to the mix. Look for someone who aligns with your worldview and values.

4. Have you been in my shoes?

A coach who has had similar experiences can empathize with your situation and guide you to solutions.

5. Can you share some of your relevant experiences with me?

Asking for examples of success stories with previous clients can give you a better idea of the coach’s approach and whether they can help you.

6. Do you have your own coach?

The answer to this question will show you whether they walk the talk.

1. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google

Schmidt told Fortune he initially resisted the idea of hiring a coach. 

“My argument was: how could a coach advise me if I'm the best person in the world at this? But that's not what a coach does. The coach doesn't have to play the sport as well as you do. They have to watch you and get you to be your best.” 

2. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft

Gates is such a coaching convert that he gave a TED talk highlighting the benefits of coaching:

3. Oprah Winfrey, TV star

Winfrey attributes part of her astronomical success to the help of her life coach, Martha Beck.

She is a strong advocate of the benefits of coaching and regularly encourages her fans and followers to work with a life coach.

4. Leonardo DiCaprio, Hollywood actor

DiCaprio came a long way from his “Titanic” days to take home his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “The Revenant” in 2016.

DiCaprio has not spoken openly about coaching, but his work with world-renowned celebrity life coach Tony Robbins undoubtedly contributed to his success.

5. Serena Williams, star tennis player

Record-breaking tennis star Williams is also in Tony Robbins’ little black book of celebrity clients.

Her 23 grand slam singles titles — more than anyone else in the Open era — prove the power of combining talent and coaching.