Truth and Courage: Implementing a Coaching Culture. White Paper

Many leaders recognize that coaching is more than a collection of effective techniques. This recognition has led them to strive for a corporate culture that reflects a coaching mindset and the kind of relationships that coachees find liberating. As many more leaders have experienced the benefits of coaching (by professional coaches or mentors) the appeal has expanded dramatically and so has the demand for interventions that can deliver this kind of culture. Leaders whose organizations have learned to adapt to rapid, turbulent change have developed an obsession with getting the culture and cultures within their organizations right. Culture and its expressions shape the practical and emotional environment in which we work, and influences the ways organizations accomplish their goals. Expanding on this conversation, this paper defines coaching culture, provides practical expressions of as well as unhelpful assumptions about coaching culture, and offers tips on what works and where to begin.