The meaning of positive personal change through executive coaching: a phenomenological study
Loading...
Authors
Kapell, Faith
Issue Date
2002
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
There continues to be a significant increase in the demand for personal and executive coaches in corporate America. The literature revealed many studies focused on coaching activities and techniques. However, the literature is silent with reference to the meaning of positive change experienced by the individual engaged in the coaching relationship. This phenomenological study, therefore, explored the lived experience of two executives engaged in an executive coaching relationship that lasted from six to nine months. A phenomenological research approach was the most appropriate to gain valuable insights into an individual's experience and the essence of the meaning of positive change for them. Results indicate the importance of the relationship between the coach and the coachee. Also discovered was the increase in each participant's desire for change after learning more about his or her core issues while supported by a trusted coach. Finally, the study revealed the participants' realization that their work is an ongoing process and change takes time, but change does happen with the help of the tools the coach supplies and the relationship the coach models. This study showed the importance of the establishment of a relationship between coach and coachee characterized by trust, acceptance, and freedom of expression. This research has implications for coaches who may wish to create more effective methods that produce successful results. In addition, corporations will have new insights regarding the nature of the coaching process and the outcomes of coaching programs, perhaps allowing additional employees this benefit. The final word, however, is about the special nature of the work of the effective coach, one who inspires the coachee to delve deeper into the causes of her or his behavior, and to see others in a more accepting and collaborative light. This study uncovered the way such coaches not only give tools and use techniques, but by their very way of being throughout their relationship with their coachee, they model what the coachee most needs to learn. Through the modeling of this relationship, the coachee lives and experiences in a profound "bodily" way what effective cocreation feels like from the point of view of those with whom he or she interacts. It appears that this is the core of the meaning of the experience of positive personal change through a coaching relationship.