There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all coaching solution. Thankfully, there are multiple options for organizations to consider as they look to develop individuals, teams, and groups. Coaching best practice customizes the approach to fit the exact needs of the organization, individual, group, or team. In this article, we’re lifting the veil on the differences between peer coaching, group coaching, and team coaching and discussing when and how they are best applied. Let’s dive in.

Peer Coaching

Peer coaching encompasses the process of taking a group of professionals (whether they work together on a regular basis or not) through a facilitated and self-directed learning process. Ultimately, each member helps one another advance their leadership skills in a safe and trusting environment through peer feedback and learning with each peer playing the role of coach and coachee. In peer coaching,  there is no ranking hierarchy.  

According to The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, peer coaching is “a type of helping relationship in which two people of equal status actively participate in helping each other on specific tasks or problems, with a mutual desire to be helpful.” In order for peer coaching to be effective, all participants must also be trained on the proper coaching techniques and leadership skills. For peer coaching to be successful,  each individual is taught to:

• Provide straightforward and honest feedback
• Offer advice that benefits the other participants 
• Have each other’s best interest in mind

When is Peer Coaching Best Applied?

From an organizational perspective, peer coaching is best applied in groups and teams  that need to:

• Create a strong support system between peers
• Strengthen cross-organizational networks and teams
• Develop innovative solutions by asking the right questions
• Deepen the understanding of organizational business goals

Group Coaching

Group coaching leverages past experience and knowledge from a group of professionals that are working towards a common goal but also towards their own individual goals. However, in group coaching settings, individuals do not necessarily need to accomplish a shared goal. Instead, group coaching focuses on a capability all participants are looking to develop. 

For example, new managers may join in on group coaching as a follow-up to their initial leadership training. Similarly, female leaders spanning different organizations and industries may participate in group coaching to develop positive work-life balance habits.

Group coaches work with the entire group to create an environment that supports innovative thinking typically using methodologies like learning diaries, discussing critical cases, and peer-consultation.

When is Group Coaching Best Applied?

Group coaching is best applied when organizations want to share thoughts, challenges, and ideas from various perspectives and departments to boost organizational success. Consider this example — a group of managers from different departments are struggling with their time-management skills. In their group coaching sessions, these diverse managers come together to share best practices on how to manage their time more effectively. As a result, each individual manager is better equipped to handle their workload in a timely manner.

Team Coaching

The goal of team coaching is to enhance team performance and sustain it over the long term. In today’s complex work environment, the value of working in teams is critical to an organization’s ability to solve challenges. Team coaches work with various teams to improve their dynamics, communication, and collaboration skills. As a result, business outcomes are bolstered and interpersonal relationships within the team are strengthened. 

The best team coaching programs assist leaders and their teams to reach consensus on priorities, roles and accountabilities and develop strategies and rules of engagement to meet business goals and deliver better results. Through team coaching, teams work to: 

• Enhance business results
• Foster trust and open communication
• Create a shared vision
• Resolve conflict
• Develop clarity in decision-making

When is Team Coaching Best Applied?

Team coaching is best applied in teams that are seeking to boost team performance via collaboration and communication. Most often, team coaching is especially useful in the following scenarios:

• Articulating values and a shared mission
• Assimilating new members to the team
• Overcoming conflict safely and productively
• Creating mutual accountability
• Building psychological safety
• Producing commitment-based teamwork

Final Thoughts

Looking towards 2022, we suggest considering the benefit of alternative coaching models to enable your organization to reap the rewards of coaching. TLD Group is here to help you unlock your organization’s potential. Get in touch with us to discover how our various coaching solutions increase individual, peer, team, and group effectiveness, improve leadership skills, and bolster business outcomes.

For more, read our blog on how organizations can move toward a coaching culture.

Additional Resources:

• If you’d like to learn more about how TLD Group’s group coaching solutions can help you grapple with a shared challenge, take a look at our On-Demand Coaching Solutions.
• To learn more about TLD Group’s innovative and custom team coaching solutions, check out our comprehensive digital brochure.