Virtual Coaching

the next best thing to being there

Conservation Coaches Network New Coach Training

Virtual Coaching

What is Virtual Coaching?

Virtual Coaching

What is Virtual Coaching?

• Coaching techniques used when the coach and team(s) can’t 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

Virtual Coaching

A Gradient of Interaction

Virtual Coaching

Why Do 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 (don’t 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 wouldn’t have a chance to interact and learn from one another

Virtual Coaching

Example of Webinar-based 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 Q&A

Virtual Coaching

Example of Webinar-based Virtual Coaching

Virtual Coaching

Example of Webinar-based Virtual Coaching

Real-time dialogue, everyone focused on webex and talking via conference call

• Hard for people to “connect” with one another virtually and develop relationships

• Harder to keep people’s 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

Virtual Coaching

Common Issues & Recommendations

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

Virtual Coaching

Common Issues & Recommendations

• Make presentations as dynamic as possible

• Keep things interactive, asking people to comment on one another’s work, calling on people, etc.

• Break the ice with humor• Allow uncomfortable silences

Virtual Coaching

Issue: Keeping Participants Engaged, Not Distracted

Common Issues & Recommendations

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

Virtual Coaching

Common Issues & Recommendations

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

Virtual Coaching

Common Issues & Recommendations

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

Virtual Coaching

Common Issues & Recommendations