The Importance of Timing during Coaching
Abstract
This is a study investigating the issue of timing in coaching. It answers the question, “How do coaches know when the time is right to intervene (i.e. ask a question, make a request or remain silent) in a coaching conversation?”
A preliminary questionnaire identified that coaches have different ways of approaching the issue. These range from various aspects of non-verbal communication and content to structured coaching methods and the client’s agenda. Some were unable to be specific and cited experience or intuition. The subject is not covered explicitly in training.