How to Make the Right Coaching Investment

At the recent HRcoreNordic event, Ozlem Sarioglu, co-founder of SparkUs, delivered a compelling presentation on the transformative power of organizational coaching. Drawing from her extensive experience and passion for people development, Sarioglu captivated the audience with a dynamic session that was as engaging as it was insightful.

In her speech, Sarioglu emphasized the importance of coaching at all organizational levels, not just the executive tier. “Coaching provides a way to truly listen to and understand individuals, their challenges, resistances, and dreams,” she said. While surveys offer insights, coaching delves deeper, fostering self-awareness and genuine mindset shifts crucial for meaningful transformation.

Strategic Coaching Investments

One of the key takeaways from Sarioglu’s presentation was the strategic approach to coaching investments. She outlined two common extremes: selecting a few individuals for coaching due to cost considerations or offering coaching to anyone who asks, which often lacks structure and fails to achieve significant impact. Sarioglu proposed a balanced approach, combining targeted coaching with scalable digital solutions to maximize impact and efficiency.

Five Steps to Organizational Coaching Success

Sarioglu introduced a five-step framework for effective organizational coaching:

1. Define a Strategic Goal: Determine clear objectives for coaching within the organization.

2. Design the Journey: Create tailored coaching journeys that align with organizational needs.

3. Select the Right People: Identify individuals who will benefit most from coaching.

4. Support with the Right People: Choose appropriate coaches or mentors, whether internal or external.

5. Track, Measure, and Improve: Continuously monitor and refine the coaching process to ensure optimal outcomes.

Aligning Coaching with Organizational Seasons

Sarioglu likened coaching strategies to business seasons. In the “spring” phase, when the organization is new or undergoing transformation, the focus is on vision work and team building. During the “summer” phase, characterized by high growth, leadership development and onboarding are crucial. The “autumn” phase, marked by new competition or technology, calls for re-engagement and upskilling. Finally, in the “winter” phase, amidst significant changes or layoffs, coaching can facilitate transformation and provide space for self-reflection.

Sarioglu highlighted how SparkUs uses technology to enhance coaching processes. By integrating digital exercises, AI, and customized platforms, SparkUs streamlines the coaching journey, making it efficient and accessible to a larger audience. This approach not only saves time and budget but also ensures consistency and quality in coaching conversations.

Embrace Coaching for Transformation

Concluding her speech, Sarioglu urged organizations to embrace coaching as a strategic tool for transformation. “By following these five steps, we can create impactful coaching journeys for all levels of an organization, from top management to individual contributors,” she asserted.

Ozlem Sarioglu’s presentation at HRcoreNordic was a masterclass in the strategic application of coaching within organizations. Her insights and practical framework offer a roadmap for companies looking to leverage coaching to drive engagement, productivity, and meaningful transformation. As SparkUs continues to innovate in this space, organizations have the opportunity to harness the full potential of coaching to achieve their strategic goals.

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