Coaching 101

If you were to ask your colleagues what coaching is, and what it is helpful for, what would they say? As I’ve navigated conversations about the application of coaching within medicine, there have been some common questions and threads that come up. Whether we are talking about developing coaching as institutional approach or resource, or individuals who are seeking out coaching for themselves themselves, there are a few topics that I see as foundational. Read on to see my take on coaching 101; or if you don’t have time, skip ahead to the summary at the end.

What is coaching?

The truth is that there is no universal definition of professional coaching. In my experience, I have seen many applications of coaching within medicine and academia. I’ve seen growth of using a coach-approach to giving feedback and educating. There is performance coaching, which is more similar to a sports coach who gives advice and expertise. Even across coaching styles, there are different niches for coaching, like leadership or transitions coaching.

Many physician coaches are trained to practice in alignment with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards. In this model, coaching is a partnership between a skilled professional (coach) and client. The client is assumed to be whole, capable and resourceful. The coach’s priority is to honor the client’s direction and agenda for coaching, and to avoid giving advice. Coaches can use frameworks and topics to help unpack stuck points and challenges, but for the use of providing new insights and awareness, not to dictate next steps. Coaches are excellent listeners who can help clients better understand themselves, uncover things that are getting in the way of progress, identify next steps, and support accountability. 

Why coaching?

There are a plethora of reasons physicians and APPs come to coaching. For me, my first experience with coaching was unplanned. I was in a women’s leadership program through the American Academy of Pediatrics. During the program launch, we spent the first two days with a coach who worked with us in a group setting. This experience, though short and in a group, was life altering. I discovered that I held a limiting belief that I couldn’t be the mother I wanted and find meaning and contribution in my career. I realized that this was not necessarily true, only that I did not have clear examples of this, yet. Instead, I claimed a new belief - that with perseverance and creativity, I could chart my own path to show up with my kids in the way that I wanted, and contribute my skills and energy toward a meaningful purpose outside my home. (If this sounds like I’m saying I’ve figured out how to ‘have it all’ hold that thought, we can explore it a different day. ) This new belief and awareness has been a continual place of growth for me in the years since.

The point is that when you talk to folks who have been coached, very often they have found personal growth, new perspectives, and awareness about themselves. The impacts can be both immediate and unfold over time. Physicians who have been coached often develop new perspectives on problems or a new energy toward their work. Sometimes coaching uncovers transitions or hard choices that need to be made, and other times it validates chosen paths and supports new discoveries for deepening into what is important. Coaching can help us become aware of self-limiting beliefs and ways we are getting in our own way. It can also clarify why certain environments or roles are creating conflict, and support clarity in how to move forward.

Coaching is still new within the medical community and research is ongoing. However, the studies to date clearly show that coaching works, particularly in navigating the current crisis of physician well-being. Across 6 studies, including one randomized control trial, coaching was found to improve a number of well-being outcomes, including burnout, engagement, job satisfaction, self-compassion, and professional fulfillment. All studies included professionally trained coaches. Importantly, the duration and frequency of coaching varied across studies, suggesting that even small doses are impactful. What's even more interesting, is that in the randomized control trial, while the coaching cohort improved in fulfillment and burnout, the control group actually worsened. We know that the systems within healthcare must change to reduce burnout and moral injury, and coaching is a supportive tool that can support clinicians while we work toward better systems.

How do I choose a coach?

The last important piece of coaching 101 is choosing a coach. In some ways this process is similar to how we think about choosing a residency program. Look at the details for what different coaches offer, consider your needs, and specific areas you want coaching around. After gathering the details, get a sense of the person and in the end, listen to your gut. Coaching is an important, trusting, and vulnerable relationship. It's critical to have someone you connect with, feel seen and heard by. Most coaches offer complimentary introductory calls to help you get to know each other and understand fit. Don’t be afraid to try a few calls to get a feel for different coaches. If that feels like too much time, ask for names from friends and colleagues who have been coached AND who you trust and resonate with.

Do you need a health professional or physician coach? This is highly personal and people have different opinions. One benefit of having peer (similar professional role) coaches, is that someone who practices medicine may ‘get you’ in a way that coaches from other backgrounds may not. That said, there are amazing coaches from all backgrounds!

Too long, Didn’t read summary:

Coaching works to improve a variety of well-being measures

Coaching may prevent worsening well-being

Coaching can be done in small and big doses, in 1:1 and group settings

Find a coach that feels right to you