TEAM COACHING VS. FACILITATION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR TODAY’S LEADERS?

Abstract The authors Dowse (an organizational psychologist), and Turner (a leadership advisor), write that in their experience, “the quickest way to increase an organization’s loyalty, purpose, community, and productivity is to involve people and use collaborative approaches.” They describe similarities and differences between team coaching and facilitation; and outline the International Coaching Federation (ICF) eight Team Coaching (ACTC) Competencies: (1) Demonstrating Ethical Practice (2) Embodying a Coaching Mindset (3) Establishing and Maintaining Agreements (4) Cultivating Trust and Safety (5) Maintaining Presence (6) Listening Actively (7) Evoking Awareness, and (8) Facilitating Client Growth. They do the same for The International Institute for Facilitation (INIFAC) six Team Coaching Certified Master Facilitator Competencies (CMF): (1) Presence (2) Assessment (3) Communication (4) Control (5) Consistency, and (6) Engagement. The similarities and differences are also outlined in Table 1, in terminology; purpose; goal; role; the relationship with team and participants; and skills, tools, and techniques used. Regardless of approach, it’s vital to, in their words: Set a common purpose and goal for direction and motivation, promote open communication to foster trust, and clarity of information being shared, manage conflicts that may harm group cohesion; and establish an environment for the group/team to make decisions collectively.