Online or offline, which coaching practice is better?

During the pandemic, the shining computer screen was the one thing that kept us connected too each other. Zoom, has in a way become generic for connecting, the way Google has for search and ChatGPT for AI.

As technology takes over, virtual coaching is becoming more in use. Here are 3 ways to decide what works best for you, in my opinion.

Let the best coach for you decide the mode

If the coach you click best with is only or mostly available online, then a great online coach is any day better than a coach in person you havent clicked the best with.

Online coaching needs more work

It is easy to get distracted online, a phone call, a family member or pet, office; all of these can distract you. If you pick online, as far as possible, ensure that you can fully focus. Create a small ritual, even as simple as deep breathing or grabbing a cup of coffee to signal to yourself that this is your coaching space.

Check your internet connection, Shut off all notifications, silence that phone, shut the door on the outside so you can focus inside. Coaches often have their own ritual to get into the deep focus flow state of coaching.

Staying motivated

Online session can become quite tiring and one dimensional. Its hard to stay motivated staring at your screen. Your coach can support you in ways to take short breaks to stay on track.

In Person interaction

Ultimately in person interactions are great for any type of coaching but specifically work best for team coaching.

The group energy is best harnessed offline, whenever possible. in person.

Though platforms like Zoom have excellent breakout room options, its not the same. Working with each other offline provides cues, energy and feedback that is not always possible online.

Online coaching can be flexible, affordable

Of course, one large benefit online coaching has is that it is affordable. Online sessions are sometimes charged at lesser rates than offline. Certainly, online coaching is easier to schedule as compared to offline.

In conclusion, online coaching widens greatly the pool of coaches available to you, is affordable and flexible, while in person coaching is better for teams, easier to stay motivated with and offers the all important human connection better.

Paarul Chand is founder of Whyte Sky Coaching, coaching for life at work.