A team needs to be clear about what it has to do together to begin with. If that is clear, it does not mean that teamwork is always flawless.
Often, it already helps to take a moment together to rethink role distribution, load, cooperation or working arrangements. Sometimes, however, more is needed to get the team (back) on track.
When does team coaching help
A team coach can help a team move forward when, for example, two groups with very different cultures need to work together in one team. Or when in a team one or a few colleagues determine the atmosphere or direction and other team members do not feel heard. Or when there is no longer mutual trust in a team after an incident or reorganisation.
Through reflection and dialogue the team coach helps to improve not only team performance, but also the processes by which that performance is achieved (David Clutterbuck, 2007).
A team coach works with a defined question from the team and in a defined period or effort. Thus, the team itself must know what it wants to change and take the lead.
Role of the manager in team coaching
The manager is responsible for a healthy team climate and effective cooperation. When a manager cannot get this organised himself, he or she can enlist the help of a team coach. Importantly, a team coach is not there for the manager, but for the whole team.
Sometimes it happens that a higher-level manager suggests a team coach. Even then, it is important that the team itself agrees to the process.
Teamcoach pool
VU Amsterdam with its own coaching pool that includes specialised team coaches. Team coaches from the pool are familiar with the university context, are screened for quality, education, suitability and work for a reasonable rate.
Roadmap for using a team coach
- Together with your HR Advisor, decide in which direction you want to organise a team follow-up.
- Request an (online) intake via Lidy Stassen, director (team) coaching (lidy.stassen@vu.nl) to discuss the question.
- Based on the intake, a suitable team coach is sought and proposed.
- You meet the team coach and decide whether to go ahead. You agree directly with the team coach on date, location, participants and communication.
- The team coach sends the offer and the invoice directly to the manager with a cc to the (team) coaching director.
- Upon completion, the team coach sends the evaluation form to the client with a request to complete and return it to the director (team) coaching.