Coaching Virtual Global Leaders: The Communications Challenge

A Reyes International Journal of Coaching in Organizations 2009

The future of coaching will be shaped by the interrelated evolution of 21st century global collaborations, their enabling technologies, and the ability of coaches to adapt their services to the requirements of this era. This article describes how coaches can help leaders and teams to meet the challenges of our increasingly mobile, technology enabled and globally distributed organizations. A cultural lens is used to facilitate understanding of how communication, relationship building and leadership development are shaped and challenged by virtual global environments. Three case examples are used to illustrate ways that coaching can support virtual global leaders in ‘first, second and third generation’ virtual workplaces. The closing section addresses the future of virtual global leadership and team coaching.