According to research conducted by business psychologist Doug MacKie, there was a significant difference in perceived transformational leadership behavior after coaching sessions. The research examined the impact the sessions had on 31 people in senior management roles. The people who received training from a coach had to first complete a complex questionnaire. From it they selected 3 coaching goals.After the sessions, they completed the questionnaire again.
What did the results show? It takes time before behavioral changes become part of your nature, claims the management-issues.com website.
Various perceptions of the impact of coaching sessions
After coaching, there was a statistically significant increase in perceived transformational leadership from peers. However, surprisingly, the coachees themselves claimed they had not noticed any changes at all. Those who perceived the biggest change in leadership behavior were line managers of those who had participated in the coaching sessions. Peers and subordinates of coachees also noticed changes, but they perceived them as less than what the line managers observed.
Is there an explanation for the difference in observations? Yes. People at different levels simply rate different qualities. Line managers rate their subordinates on performance criteria, whilst the subordinates tend to rate relationships.
Why the coachees did not see any change? Internalization takes time
Coachees may have been rating themselves on how they felt rather than their actual behavior. Observable behaviors need to be reinforced by feedback in order to create an internally felt change. When the coaching period was rather short, there may be a time lag regarding the internalized change that can be recognized by coachees. Therefore it is extremely important to schedule a three-way review meeting at the end of every coaching assignment. The coach, coachee and his or her line manager must provide feedback. That will reinforce the change and maintain the momentum of on-going changes.
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