The experience of executive group coaching - A qualitative study

K Gyllensten, C Henschel, G Jones International Coaching Psychology Review 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore managers’ experiences of participating in executive group coaching in a municipality in Sweden. Methods: A qualitative methodology was used in the study. Managers that had participated in executive group coaching were invited to participate. Individual interviews were used to collect the data, and ten individuals took part in the study. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results: Four main themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme ‘group engagement’ highlighted that the group format helped to create a high level of activity. The second theme ‘a space for reflection and creativity’ described how the coaching provided a space for thinking about strategic issues. The third theme ‘taking different perspectives’ showed, and ‘increased self-awareness and courage’. Discussion: The members of the executive group coaching were highly engaged in the process, it provided an opportunity for reflection and creativity, increased self-awareness, and the ability to think in new and different ways. Conclusion: The findings highlight that executive group coaching can be useful in helping managers to develop skills that are useful in leadership practice, and can also provide an opportunity for managers to give and receive well needed peer support. Objectives: To explore managers’ experiences of participating in executive group coaching.