Can I trust the in-house Coach?

In-house coaches are often not trusted as they are fears that information shared in the safety of the coaching space may be shared with the bosses. External coaches, on the other hand, offer a safe non-judgemental space and that makes them attractive. Over the years I have worked with both in-house coaches as well as external coaches. In both cases, it takes a while to establish trust, which is the cornerstone of any coaching engagement. Chemistry also plays a vital role, the feeling that tells you “this coach is the right one for me”, it is often a heart-led decision. Equally important is to trust the intuition that says “this coach somehow does not seem to be what I need right now”.

Confidentiality is critical. Being vulnerable and really digging deep to accept what is going on allows blind spots to emerge. Knowing that I can open up and be vulnerable without worrying that something I share will find its way back to the boss is the space to aim for. A professional coach, in-house or external is ethically bound to ensure confidentiality is maintained. Context is equally important, and the in-house coach often has the edge when it comes to understanding the industry and the dynamics of what is exactly going on.

Most successful coaching cultures have a good mix of internal and external coaches. Plus, managers and team members who understand the nuances between coaching training mentoring and appreciate the need and different roles each play. Awareness of the importance and power of self-awareness is one of the biggest benefits of a mature coaching culture. The life cycle of an organisation also plays a role in terms of what kind of coaching is most supportive.

Both in-house and external coaches play an important role in inspiring people to maximise their personal and professional potential. Oh, and before I forget, the simple answer is yes, you can always trust a professionally certified coach whether internal or external. In the end, choose the one whom you have the best chemistry with and trust to look out for your interests.

Photo by Fabian Gieske on Unsplash