Coaching efficacy: Do coaches deliver what they promise? People who coach human performance in workplaces operate in a wide variety of ways, with relatively little evaluation reported. The perceptions of a sample of coaches and their clients are reported – before, during and after coaching. Examples are given of the concerns clients have on promises made and processes used. The concerns of inadequate processes of planning, evaluation and monitoring are explored. The apparent strength of these processes in psychological approaches to coaching is compared with benefits expected or achieved. The lack of clarity of roles, goals and ways of working reduces funder confidence and work opportunities. Making explicit agreements with clients about goals, standards expected and results achieved appear to encourage client and coach to more rapid achievement of goals—more and less effective examples of each are examined.

1. DO COACHES DELIVER WHAT THEY PROMISE? Frank O’Connor NZ Psychological Society ~ Annual Conference 2009 Palmerston North, Aotearoa / New Zealand Developing Organisations & Leaders • Improving Business Performance & Management Moa Resources, 103 Overtoun Terrace, Hataitai, Wellington, New Zealand 6021 +64 21 386-911 [email_address]

2. COACHING IS CATCHING COACHING IS CATCHING It’s appealing It’s organised It’s methodical It’s applicable positive easy with well people fun ??? Global CC Assn for Coaching Sydney Uni ICF ? ad hoc intuitive conceptual formal ??? life executive leader career sport ?

9. A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO COACHES A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO COACHES Data Research Guts Practice

21. A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO COACHES A PSYCHOLOGIST WHO COACHES Data Research Guts Practice results -based to be evaluated sniff out snake oil to evaluate beyond easy showing benefits turning down bad business using data using theory efficiency effectiveness practical options theory best method baseline plans & goals needs & gaps before & after facts not faith priorities

27. THE DOWN SIDES Major Psychopathology High Well-Being Low Mental Health High Level of Intentional Goal striving Low Level of Intentional Goal striving Acquiescent Languishing  ‘ Normal’  Distressed but functional