Virtual Coaching the next best thing to being there

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Virtual Coachingthe next best thing to being
there
Conservation Coaches Network New Coach Training
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What is Virtual Coaching?
Virtual Coaching
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What is Virtual Coaching?
Virtual Coaching

• Coaching techniques used when the coach and
  team(s) cant meet in person
• Not as effective as in-person coaching, but may
  be used when meeting is impossible
• Also can be used to increase level of interaction
  between meetings

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A Gradient of Interaction
Virtual Coaching
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Why Do Virtual Coaching?
Virtual Coaching

• Cost-effective way to reach teams all around the
  world
• Lower carbon footprint than in-person meetings
• Efficient way for a few coaches to assist many
  teams
• Facilitates scheduling
• Allows for short, intense sessions (dont need to
  cover all CAP steps in single meeting)
• Allows for greater interaction (relative to
  e-mail or multiple phone calls) when revising or
  refining CAP components
• Can bring teams together that otherwise wouldnt
  have a chance to interact and learn from one
  another

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Example of Webinar-based Virtual Coaching
Virtual Coaching

• Bring project teams together through webinar and
  conference calls.
• Audubon example 9 project teams in 3 groups (3
  teams per group, 1 coach for each group)

• Small group sessions in which project teams
  present their work and receive feedback from
  their peers and coach (Efroymson model)
• Large group sessions presentations and QA

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Example of Webinar-based Virtual Coaching
Virtual Coaching
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Example of Webinar-based Virtual Coaching
Virtual Coaching
Real-time dialogue, everyone focused on webex and
talking via conference call
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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching

• Hard for people to connect with one another
  virtually and develop relationships
• Harder to keep peoples attention during remote
  interaction
• Inability to read body language and adjust pace
  and content to it
• Harder to ensure participation from everyone
• Can be harder to make progress, ensure quality
• Technical difficulties in webinars

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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching

• Issue Harder to Develop Relationships, Team
• If possible, start with in-person meeting, to
  form bonds
• Coach could call team members prior to 1st
  meeting
• Include pictures of team members in intro PPT
• Participants introduce themselves with
  audiovisual aids
• Make map of team members

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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching
Issue Keeping Participants Engaged, Not
Distracted

• Make presentations as dynamic as possible
• Keep things interactive, asking people to comment
  on one anothers work, calling on people, etc.
• Break the ice with humor
• Allow uncomfortable silences

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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching

• Issue Limited Ability to Read Body Language,
  Adjust
• Make personal calls to establish relationships
  prior to 1st meeting (makes it easier to
  understand interests and draw people into
  discussions)
• Use virtual whiteboards
• Send personal chat messages to participants who
  are quiet or critical, to prompt participation

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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching

• Issue Harder to Make Progress, Ensure Quality
• Need clear goal for meeting, good agenda
• Start on time and limit webinar to 60-90 min.
• Send materials out ahead of time for participants
  to review
• Require teams to present their work to one
  another for peer review
• Set standards, ground rules

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Common Issues Recommendations
Virtual Coaching

• Issue Technical Difficulties (connecting, noise,
  etc.)
• Encourage logging into webinar 10 min. prior to
  start
• With large groups in webinars, participants need
  to be on mute to reduce background noise
• Make materials available via website (Google
  site) or email
• Second facilitator can help with technical
  difficulties
• Have participants phone numbers to call them
  back if they get disconnected