What is Best Practice in Online Coaching?

Abstract

Online coaching is now the preferred platform for coaching across the UK (Passmore, 2021). However, there is little to no research on how to do it well. My study explored how coaching is affected by the online environment using a constructivist grounded theory approach, with a pragmatic ontology and a constructivist epistemology to produce a practical support framework for coaches. My research found two outcomes. The first emerged as a set of conceptual categories for reflection but it is the second outcome consisting of three practical themes for best practice that will be explored in this article. These are caring (the self-care of the coach) and contracting (key areas for coach and coachee to establish pertaining to the online space) which then ensures a better understanding of the third area which is communicating.

Keywords

• online coaching
• best practice
• zoom
• efficacy
• communication