The reception desk. The copy machine. The watercooler. These office gathering places where working relationship have traditionally been nurtured are quickly becoming artifacts destined for a Smithsonian exhibit. Organizations are rapidly moving towards hybrid office models with more workers choosing telework options. Leaders are under pressure to find new ways to foster employee engagement. Team coaching is a great starting point.

Team coaching, which usually occurs over the period of at least several months, helps groups of work colleagues develop empathy, strengthen communications, and build a sense of shared commitment. Under the gentle guidance of a trained coach, teams are brought together in a safe space to build connections, address challenges, and create an approach for mutual accountability towards their shared vision.

Uncertain about whether team coaching is right for your organization? Consider these questions:

1. Has your employee base changed significantly the last two years? The labor market has undergone incredible turnover since early 2020. Many professionals have never met their closest co-workers in person, and some have not met their supervisors or direct reports.
2. How will your organization adapt to the new hybrid environment? Once the policies are in place, equal attention must be given to helping the team work through the implications and impacts for their mutual relationships.
3. Has the NorthStar of your organization changed? The global pandemic and increased attention to systemic injustices have caused many individuals and organizations to rethink priorities. New strategies to address diversity, equity and inclusion, employee retention, and stakeholder engagement require high-performing, collaborative teams.

Traditional team building activities, while fun for helping people get better acquainted and lifting spirits, are not sufficient for the sea change we’re experiencing in our workplaces. And a recent Harvard Business review article notes that more training won’t solve problems either. One-off efforts do not generally resolve conflicts or strengthen multi-lateral relationships in a sustaining way.

But numerous studies over the last ten years demonstrate return on investment from coaching. Companies that offer training alone experience 22.4% increase in productivity, but when combined with coaching that figure rises to 88% (Source: Gerald Olivero, Denise Bane & Richard Kopelman, Public Personnel Management.)

These are complex times. Make it at least a little easier on your employees and yourself to “go for the gold” with the help of your own team coach.

Photo by Mapbox on Unsplash