Did you ever role-play in school? Or have a mentor who helped you learn by asking you to teach them the new skill you were mastering? Maybe you worked with a manager whose perspective helped you thrive in your career, or a friend who gave you feedback that changed the way you communicate.
Here’s what we’re getting at: Social learning is a highly effective development strategy, especially for coaches. One social learning approach that has gained popularity amongst professional coaches is co-coaching, a practice where two or more coaches rehearse their skills and give each other feedback.
Whether you have coached for years or are just new to the profession, co-coaching can help you evolve into an intuitive and skilled coach. In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of co-coaching, the benefits it provides, and how to get started using this impactful method.
What is Co Coaching?
Co-coaching is a collaborative practice where two or more coaches take turns coaching each other.
Unlike most coaching models that focus on the relationship between a coach and a client, co-coaching involves swapping roles: one participant acts as the coach while the other roleplays as the client, then they switch. This approach gives both parties a new perspective, helping them refine their coaching practice and enhance their overall skills.
The main difference between co-coaching and more traditional coach mentorship models is the mutual learning and real-time feedback participants give and receive. Instead of a hierarchical set-up, co-coaching is based on equality, trust, and shared learning. It creates an environment where both parties—whether new coaches or seasoned—invest equally in each other’s growth.
5 Benefits of Co-Coaching for Aspiring Coaches
Coaches are always looking to grow and evolve, and a co-coaching relationship provides valuable opportunities for development. Ahead, take a deeper look at the benefits of co-coaching for aspiring coaches.
- Practicing Real-World Coaching Skills
One of the core advantages of co-coaching is that it allows you to practice real-world coaching skills in a safe and supportive environment. This method offers the opportunity to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them.
- Improving Self-Awareness
In a co-coaching partnership, both individuals exchange valuable insights. This process helps you better understand how your coaching practice works and what needs improvement. It can also uncover your unconscious biases and help you develop a more empathetic perspective by stepping into the client’s shoes to experience the coaching process firsthand.
- Receiving Constructive Feedback
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth. When you engage in co-coaching, you’ll receive real-time, unbiased, and actionable feedback from your co-coach. Feedback allows you to adjust your approach and improve your coaching practices.
- Building a Coaching Community
Another benefit of co-coaching is the valuable networking opportunity it offers. It creates a sense of community where you share experiences, network, and learn from others in a similar vocation.
- Improving Problem-Solving and Increasing Creativity
Coaching often requires creative thinking and problem-solving, and co-coaching provides an excellent platform to practice both. Collaborating with others exposes you to new perspectives and innovative ideas that can improve your ability to solve challenges effectively.
Different Forms of Co-Coaching
There are several forms of co-coaching, each with unique benefits and applications. Understanding each type will help you choose which format best suits your goals.
One-on-One
In a one-on-one relationship, two coaches alternate between coach and client. This approach fosters deep trust and allows for personalized feedback addressing specific challenges.
- Ideal for: Deepening trust and focusing on personalized feedback.
Group
This involves a small group of coaches, one of whom acts as the coach, one as the client, and the others as observers. This format allows you to learn from multiple perspectives and gain insights into different coaching styles.
- Ideal for: Learning from multiple perspectives and observing various coaching styles.
Rotational
In rotational co-coaching, the roles of client, coach, and observer rotate within a peer group. This dynamic format allows each participant to experience all aspects of the coaching process, which can be incredibly valuable for building well-rounded skills.
- Ideal for: Practicing skills in a dynamic setting and gaining confidence in different roles.
Peer Mentorship
Peer mentorship is when a slightly more experienced coach takes on a mentorship role, guiding a less experienced coach through their journey. This is a robust opportunity for coaches to develop professional relationships and receive personalized advice and guidance.
- Ideal for: Receiving guidance from a more experienced professional and up-leveling your learning and development.
6 Key Steps To Get Started
Here are some simple steps to help you start your journey:
- Define Your Goals
Before beginning to practice, clarify your objectives. Be clear about whether you want to refine your coaching methods, receive constructive feedback, or practice new skills. Establishing your goals will make sure both participants remain aligned and focused.
- Identify Potential Partners
When looking for peers to co-coach with, make sure to explore:
- Professional coaching organizations
- LinkedIn and other social networks
- Coach training programs
- Professional development groups
- Schedule an Initial Chemistry Meeting
Meet with your co-coach before you dive into your sessions to establish mutual understanding and alignment. During this meeting, discuss your backgrounds, coaching approaches, and goals.
- Create Session Plans
Agree on logistical details like session length, frequency, and confidentiality agreements to make the most of your arrangement. Establishing clear rules for constructive feedback will help create a safe and productive environment for growth.
- Set Up Regular Sessions
Decide the tools and platforms you will use to conduct your sessions. Whether you meet via video call or in person, plan ahead to have everything set up for smooth, productive sessions.
- Review and Adjust the Arrangement Periodically
Periodically assess the effectiveness of your relationship. If needed, adjust your goals, session structures, or guidelines so you continue to grow and develop as coaches.
Practical Tips for an Effective Arrangement
Below are some expert tips to ensure your co-coaching experience is productive:
- Be open and vulnerable: Share your challenges and be receptive to feedback.
- Practice active listening: Focus on truly understanding your co-coach’s perspective.
- Structure sessions: A clear plan for each session ensures productive use of time.
- Set expectations: Establish clear boundaries to maintain a respectful space for growth.
- Implement new ideas: Notice different forms of curious questioning and try them.
The better prepared you are for a co-coaching relationship, the greater chance it will be mutually beneficial.
Build Your Coach Network With Co-Active
Co-coaching is a powerful strategy coaches use to refine their skills, gain valuable insights, and build a strong professional community. Participating in a co-coaching relationship fuels personal and professional growth and creates deeper connections with others in the coaching field. Whether you want to practice real-world coaching or improve your problem-solving abilities, partnering with other coaches is one of the best ways to make progress.
Co-Active Training Institute learners enhance their skills in an experiential environment, work toward certification, and build a network of coaches and peers along the way. We have been training coaches for over three decades, with over half of the world’s certified coaches graduating from our training programs. Our experiential learning environments are the perfect place to begin practicing co-coaching as you work toward becoming a certified coach.
Check out our Co-Active Fundamentals course today to see how you can get started!