Exploring the evolution of coaching through the lens of innovation

M Abravanel, J Gavin International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring 2017

In this paper, we examine coaching’s innovativeness through a comparison of its approaches and methods with those of more established helping professions. Using extant literature, we consider the nature of innovation before going on to examine coaching’s core beliefs and values, theoretical paradigms, and its goals, techniques, and methods. Findings suggest that some aspects of coaching can be described as incrementally innovative, deriving from an adaptation of existing approaches. Seemingly, coaching’s most innovative elements are represented in its techniques and methods.