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 Correspondence Courses: Little to no real-time interaction Webinars: Real-time but virtual interaction In-person Workshops: Face-to-face interaction in real time

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 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 1 st 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 1 st 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 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 Second facilitator can help with technical difficulties Have participants’ phone numbers to call them back if they get disconnected Virtual Coaching Common Issues & Recommendations