Issues that can be addressed through coaching

As there is a wide range of issues that researchers may experience, one way to think of coaching provision is in terms of the distinctions often made between skills, performance or developmental coaching.

Skills coaching - focusing on the attainment or development of a specific skill set (e.g. coaching to improve project management or time management skills).
The University of Birmingham's coaching programme aimed to enable researchers to develop employability skills.

‘More able to proiritise on weekly/monthly basis different work roles. Also had major impact on work/life balance and given impetus to make changes to life outside work.’

Coachee, St George’s, University of London: coaching to value all staff

‘After the workshops I declared my intention to put in a paper for [a] conference next year. I have since written the paper and have been invited for it to be included in a symposium submission.’

Coachee, Lancaster University: peer-to-peer postgraduate researcher coaching

Performance coaching - focusing on improving a particular area of performance over a set period of time (e.g. coaching to increase publications or grant applications).
The University of Witwatersrand developed a coaching programme to increase PhD completion rates, publications and grants success.

The University of Northampton coaching programme aimed to support personal and professional development and to improve performance.

‘ At first I was sceptical about coaching but now, I am really impressed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It’s extremely valuable to step back from your life and observe what you are doing. From that you can improve so many aspects of personal and professional life; it is truly enlightening. ’

Coachee, University of Northampton, coaching for postgraduate researchers

Developmental coaching - focusing on an individual's broader personal and professional development (e.g. coaching to support career progression or leadership qualities).
The University of Swansea internal coaching programme aimed to support individual achievement and aspirations.

‘ It was space to explore my changing roles starting as a PI at St George's from being a post doc elsewhere.’

Coachee, St George’s, University of London: coaching to value all staff

‘It has helped me in some major life changes. Without the focus of the coaching sessions, I don't think I could've achieved the ambitious changes I set out to make.’

Coachee, University of Bath: coaching for research staff