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15 Types of Coaching Inside and Outside The Workplace

By Julian Lewis July 31, 2023

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Types of coaching: Organization or business coaching
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Over the past decade, coaching has become more prevalent. This is largely due to the growth of leadership development and the effectiveness of coaching as a tool for developing talent in the workplace. But can coaching be used by people at home as well as at work?

At its essence, coaching is about helping you use your strengths and develop new skills to accomplish your goals. Depending on such goals, you can consider a multitude of coaching styles that are best suited for the purpose you are trying to achieve.

Here are some examples of categories of coaching techniques and methods that we hope will bring some clarity to the topic. Whatever the decision you make, coaching can help you retain your job, increase your productivity or simply live a better life.

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What are the main types of coaching?

Types of coaching: What are the main types?

While there are many types of coaching jobs and businesses, in its simple form, hr coaching is a way of encouraging people to grow and reach their dreams. When assessing and improving your life goals, the aim of coaching is to help the client make the necessary adjustments for success.

When considering the impact of coaching, it's worth exploring types of coaching in HRM that specifically address employee development, conflict resolution, and talent management.

Here are 15 different kinds of coaching approaches that can be used both in the workplace and outside the workplace. There are various forms of coaching available both inside and outside the workplace. You can also check out our ultimate guide to different job coaching techniques in the workplace.

Types of coaching in the workplace

Types of coaching: Organization or business coaching

Organization or business coaching

Organization or business coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals and groups improve their organizational and professional performance. Coaching in this context focuses on improving productivity, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Organization or business coaching can be done in person or remotely. It can be done one-on-one, in a group setting, or through email/chat. For more information on how middle managers can use coaching policy to improve their performance, check out The Secret Weapon to Your Organization's Growth and Success: A Middle Manager. Here are some manager employee coaching scenarios for training managers:

  • A coach work environment with a client to develop a business plan.
  • A coach helps a team to improve their efficiency.
  • A coach helps a leader to delegate more effectively.

You can learn more about the vital role of middle managers in organizations by reading Demystifying the Middle Manager: Understanding Their Vital Role in Organizations.

Types of coaching: Team coaching

Team coaching

Team coaching is a process that helps groups of people work together more effectively. It can be used to develop leadership skills, improve communication, and solve problems. There are different types of coaching, and the one that is best suited for a particular situation will depend on the team's needs and goals. The coaching style should also be matched to the leader's personality type and management style. Leadership development programs often include team coaching as part of their curriculum.

Types of coaching: Executive coaching

Executive coaching

Executive coaching is a form of professional development for leaders. Depending on their preferences, leaders can choose among different approaches to executive coaching. Through one-on-one sessions with an executive coach, leaders can improve their skills and abilities in order to become more effective in their roles.

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Coaching helps leaders learn how to better handle difficult situations, make sound decisions, and achieve their goals. Executive coaching also provides leadership development opportunities, which can help leaders grow their careers. For more information on executive coaching and the benefits of 360-degree feedback, you can check out our post on Executive Coaching: 360-Degree Feedback.

Interested in becoming an executive coach? Check out our ultimate guide on how to become an executive coach!

Types of coaching: Leadership development coaching

Leadership development coaching

Leadership development coaching is a process through which a person can become a better leader or grow into a leadership role. Through leadership coaching, individuals can learn about their own leadership style and the way they interact with others. They can also learn how to take on a new leadership role and improve their communication skills. This passive coaching approach to leadership can help leaders in any organization or field to be more effective and successful.

If you're interested in mindful leadership coaching, you can learn more about it in our Mindful Leadership Coaching Guide.

Types of coaching: Communication coaching

Communication coaching

Communication coaching is a type of professional coaching that helps individuals and groups improve their communication skills. Coaching in the workplace can help employees feel more confident when speaking with customers or clients, and group coaching can help teams work

Communication coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals and groups improve their communication skills. This type of coaching in the workplace can help employees feel more confident when speaking with their colleagues, customers, or clients, and can be done in one-on-one sessions or in a group setting. Group coaching is often beneficial because it allows people to learn from each other and share their experiences.

Types of coaching: Performance coaching

Performance coaching (coaching for performance)

Performance coaching is a type of coaching that focuses on improving an individual or group's performance. For professionals seeking personal and career development, coaching for professionals is a highly effective approach to enhance skills and achieve success.

It can be used in the workplace to improve productivity and efficiency, and it can also be used by athletes to improve their performance in competitions. Performance coaching typically involves setting goals, providing feedback, and offering support and motivation.

Types of coaching: Career coaching

Career coaching

Career coaching is a process of helping people identify and achieve their career goals. It involves the use of positive psychology to help people develop the necessary skills and mindset to be successful in their careers.

But why is work coaching important? Career coaching can be very helpful for people who are struggling to find their career path or who want to advance in their current careers.

The coaching scenario examples provided in the sections below should give you a better understanding of how these different forms of coaching might be applied.

Types of coaching: Sales coaching

Sales coaching

Sales coaching involves guiding sales reps in the right direction so they can make the most of their skills and improve their sales abilities. It's an essential part of any sales organization, and it can be a great way to improve performance, results, and ultimately the company's top line.

A good sales coach will be able to identify areas where your reps need improvement, and then provide them with guidance on how to improve. They'll also need to be able to motivate the reps and help them stay focused on their goals.

Types of coaching outside the workplace

Types of coaching: Life coaching

Life coaching

Most people want to be happy, but they don't know how. They go through life making the same mistakes over and over again because they're not sure what else to do. A life coach can help you figure out what you want from life and how to get to a higher level.

A life coach is someone who helps you identify your goals and create a plan to achieve them. Life coaching is all about helping you move forward in your life, whether that means changing your career, getting in shape, or improving your relationships. Having a comprehensive guide to relationship coaching is very helpful.

If you're feeling stuck, a life coach can help you figure out what's holding you back and give you the tools you need to move forward.

Types of coaching: Holistic health coaching

Holistic health coaching

Holistic health coaching is a process that helps clients to connect the different areas of their lives in order to create a more balanced and fulfilling life experience. Successful coaches help their clients explore the different areas of their lives, identify any imbalances, and find solutions that work for them. This can be a very empowering process for clients, as it allows them to take control of their own lives and make changes that will improve their overall well-being.

Types of coaching: Mental health coaching

Mental health coaching

Mental health coaching is a type of coaching practice that specializes in non-clinical mental health issues. They can help people go deeper into the past and address possible traumas or diagnosed disorders. What kind of coaches are there, and each coach specializes in a certain type of coaching. For example, a coach that specializes in ADHD, anxiety, or healing sexual trauma. Mental health coaching is a relatively new field, and there are not many coaches who specialize in it yet. However, the number of people who need help with their mental health is on the rise and there is an increase in therapists moving to the coaching space. Also, it’s important to note therapists can coach, but coaches cannot diagnose or provide therapy.

Types of coaching: Relationship coaching

Relationship coaching

Relationship coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals identify and achieve personal goals related to their relationships. Relationship coaches may work with individuals, couples, or families to help them improve communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.

A good relationship coach will help you clarify your goals, identify your obstacles, and develop a plan of action to help you achieve your objectives. They will also provide support and online accountability coach to help you stay on track.

If you are struggling in your relationships, or if you want to take them to the next level, consider working with a relationship coach. With their help, you can build the relationships you've always wanted.

Types of coaching: Spiritual coaching

Spiritual coaching

Spiritual coaching is a type of coaching that helps people connect with their spiritual side. This type of coaching can be helpful for people who are looking to find meaning and purpose in their lives, or who are struggling with a personal issue or challenge.

Coaching sessions typically involve discussing the client's goals and aspirations, as well as exploring the client's beliefs and values. The coach will help the client develop a plan of action to achieve their goals, and will provide support and guidance throughout the process.

Types of coaching: Transformational coaching

Transformational coaching

Transformational coaching can literally help people transform their lives. It is based on the belief that everyone has the potential for greatness, and that with the help of a coach, people can achieve anything they set their mind to. Transformational coaches help their clients to identify and overcome any barriers that are holding them back from achieving their goals.

3 different types of coaching styles

Most people think of coaching as a way to improve their professional lives. But did you know that coaching can also be used to improve your overall life and can be tailored to the client's specific personality?

In fact, there are three main types of coaching styles, each of which is designed to help you achieve different goals.

Democratic coaching

The first type of coaching style is called democratic coaching. This style is based on the belief that the coach and client are equal partners, and that the client should be involved in all decision-making.

This style of coaching often leads to a more open and trusting relationship between coach and client, making it possibly the best coaching leadership style. The democratic approach is often seen as being more supportive and collaborative, which can lead to a more positive coaching experience for the client.

The democratic coaching style is based on the following principles:

  1. The coach and client are equal partners.
  2. The client should be involved in all decision-making.
  3. The coach should provide support and guidance, but ultimately the client is responsible for their own success.

Holistic coaching

The second type of coaching style is called the holistic coaching style (also known as laissez-faire coaching). This style takes a more holistic approach and considers the client's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

To further understand the core domains and competencies, check out our detailed post on expanding emotional intelligence competencies.

The holistic coach strives to help the client find balance and harmony in all areas of their life. This coaching style is about helping the client to connect with their inner wisdom and truth, and to live a life that is in alignment with their values and beliefs.

Holistic coaching can be helpful for clients who are struggling with making significant changes in their lives, or who feel stuck and are not sure what their next steps should be. This coaching style can also be beneficial for clients who are seeking more meaning and purpose in their lives.

The holistic coaching style is based on the following principles:

  1. We are all connected and interdependent.
  2. Every decision we make impacts the whole.
  3. There is no separation.

Autocratic coaching

The third type of coaching style is called autocratic coaching. This style is based on the belief that the autocratic coach knows what is best for the client and that the client should not be involved in decision-making.

Autocratic coaches control the entire session, and clients are expected to follow along and do as they are told. This style can be useful in situations where autocratic coaches are highly experienced and have a deep understanding of the subject matter.

However, it can also be seen as overly controlling and disrespectful of the client's autonomy. This style is not recommended for use with clients who are adults or who have a lot of experience in the area being coached.

The autocratic style is based on the following principles:

  1. The coach is the expert and knows what is best for the client.
  2. The coach makes all of the decisions, and the client is expected to comply.
  3. The coach controls enhancing coaching session impact and the client has no input or involvement in decision-making.

How about virtual coaching?

Virtual coaching is a type of coaching that uses technology to connect the coach and client. This can be done via phone, video conferencing, or even email and chat. Virtual coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years. As it offers a convenient and flexible way to receive coaching without the need to travel or meet in person, it has become the go-to method for most coaching approaches at work.

There are coaching platforms that will use technology to match you with a coach through an assessment of your needs or provide digital resources to support your coaching experience.

Once you've decided what type of coaching you're interested in, the next step is to find a virtual coach that's a good fit for you. When searching for a virtual coach, be sure to read reviews and check out their website to learn more about their coaching style and approach.

One innovative approach is flex coaching, which is known for its adaptability to accommodate various learning styles and personal circumstances. It's a type of coaching that adjusts according to the unique needs of the individual or team, providing a flexible coaching framework.

Benefits of virtual coaching

There are a number of benefits that come with virtual coaching.

1. Flexibility & convenience

First, it's a convenient and flexible way to receive coaching. You can connect with your coach from anywhere in the world, at any time that's convenient for you. It also means you are not limited by your local geography to find a coach and can work with coaches in other areas.

2. Affordability

Second, virtual coaching is often more affordable than in-person coaching. You won't need to pay for travel or accommodation costs, and you may find those virtual coaches are more affordable overall.

3. Accountability

Third, virtual coaching can be a great way to receive support and accountability. Your coach can help you stay on track with your goals, and will be there to provide encouragement and support.

If you're looking for a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to receive coaching, virtual coaching may be the perfect option for you and your company.

Main benefits of coaching

There are many different types of coaching, but all styles share some common benefits. Coaching can help individuals learn new skills, gain clarity on their goals, and develop actionable plans to achieve success. In the workplace, coaching can improve communication and teamwork, boost morale, and increase productivity.

In the end, coaching can provide many benefits, both personal and professional. Here are the top 10 benefits of coaching:

1. Helps you to clarify your goals and achieve them

2. Helps you to identify and overcome obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your goals

3. Helps you to develop and implement strategies for achieving your goals

4. Helps you to increase your self-awareness and understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses

5. Helps you to develop greater self-confidence and motivation

6. Helps you to improve your communication and interpersonal skills

7. Helps you to manage stress and improve work/life balance

8. Helps you to build better relationships with others

9. Helps you to make better decisions

10. Helps you to achieve greater satisfaction and enjoyment in life.

When applied to companies, such benefits can have a significant impact on long-term ROI and profitability. When you invest in coaching, you are not only investing in your own team development, but also in the development of the overall company.

How to choose a coach

Coaches can help you with a variety of topics, including goal setting, time management, stress management, work-life balance, and more.

If you're interested in finding a coach to help you reach your goals, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what type of coaching you're interested in. Executive coaching, for example, maybe a good fit for someone who is looking to improve their leadership skills. Life coaching, on the other hand, maybe a better option for someone who is seeking help with goal setting or time management.

Once you've decided on the type of coaching you're interested in, research different coaching styles to find a coach whose approach aligns with your needs. For example, some coaches prefer to give their clients homework assignments or readings to complete between sessions, while others may opt for a more hands-on approach.

Finally, keep in mind that coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to try out a few different coaches before finding one that's the right fit for you. And, don't be afraid to ask for referrals from friends or colleagues who have worked with a coach in the past.

Read more about: Executive Coaching, Life Coaching

About Julian Lewis

Julian Lewis is a driven and accomplished professional with a passion for driving positive change in the business world. He is the co-founder and COO at Zella Life.

His own experience as a professional of color in a Fortune 500 company led him to discover the limitations for advancement that many professionals like himself face. Determined to reach his full potential, Julian became an established business coach and entrepreneur, committed to supporting others in their pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Today, Julian is a recognized corporate trainer, coach, and leader, known for his ability to leverage real-life experiences and evidence-based methodologies to affect positive change within individuals and organizations. As the leader of Zella Life's coaching division, he is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their full potential.

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