Online coaching experiences: does it really work? (Honest answers)
Two months ago he sat opposite me Peter, a 40-something company manager, who stated firmly: "I can only work face-to-face, online coaching will not work for me." Yesterday, the same person wrote: "I never thought that online coaching experiences can be so positive for me. Today, I would say that this form is much better for me."
What happened in the meantime? How has your opinion changed and does online coaching really work? These are the questions I'm looking for answers to in this article, because I know you're unsure too. Maybe you are reading this because you are considering a coaching process but don't know if the online format would be right for you.
Behind the initial scepticism
Peter is not unique. A CoachLab experience shows that the majority of people are initially sceptical about online coaching the effectiveness of. And frankly, it's a perfectly natural reaction.
"How can I build trust with someone through a screen?" - is a question often asked by people who hear about online coaching for the first time. "Won't some of the magic of meeting in person be lost?" These questions are not only asked by clients, but also by many coaches. Even today, many coaches still do not feel the online opportunity is theirs.
And it's just as well, because perhaps that could be the key phrase if you ask, what's the answer? Is Online Coaching working well? And the answer would be, of course it does, but it varies for everyone and is therefore entirely individual dependent. But then why am I writing the following? Because I would like to support it with concrete facts and cases and also refute it, because there are times when online is the best choice and other times when it is not suitable and not appropriate.
These concerns are therefore justified. We thought so ourselves many years ago, when we worked exclusively with our clients face-to-face. However, the pandemic has forced us all to rethink the possibilities of coaching. We worked pro bono and in pilot form then to test it against our own and our clients' experiences, and now it is a daily practice for us and our clients.
When constraint becomes opportunity
I remember To Andrea, who joined us in March 2020. She was originally thinking of a career change and insisted on face-to-face meetings. Then came the closure. Before the first online meeting, she was nervous, doubtful. "I don't know if this is going to work," he said. But after a short time, he said. of her online coaching experiences, this was one of the most defining and extremely positive processes of her life.
What has changed? Andrea he realised that he could be more open at home, in his own environment. He didn't have to travel, he could save time and, perhaps most importantly, he could work in his own space on issues that he might have had to deal with at work, in a strange office or even in a café, or even outdoors, for example. walking coaching would have been more difficult to unearth.
The reality behind experience
The diversity of online coaching experiences shows that there is no universal truth. Vsome are perfectly happy with this form, others less so. The point is to understand: what are the factors that influence effectiveness.
A Harvard Business Review According to a 2023 study, online coaching can be just as effective as face-to-face coaching if used properly. The research looked at 500 managers over six months and found that 78% of online participants achieved the same or better results than in-person coaching.
When does it work really well?
Analysis of online coaching experiences we see that under certain conditions this form is particularly effective:
- Technical preparedness: When the customer is comfortable using the technology
- Private environment: A space in the home or office where you can talk freely
- A structured approach: Clear goals and regular deadlines
- An open attitude: Willingness to try a new format
Mark is a case in point. Because of his work abroad, he chose the CoachLab online service. Initially, he was worried that the time difference and distance would hinder the process. Today, after a year and a half, he says that it is precisely these circumstances that have allowed him to really deepen his own development. The different time zones forced him to consciously take time for himself, which ultimately helped a lot in his self-reflection and development.
The benefits of online coaching in practice
Flexibility and accessibility
One of the the most commonly cited benefit of online coaching experiences is flexibility. No need to travel, find a parking space or adapt to traffic. This is especially valuable in today's fast-paced world. But you also don't have to rush to get back to the office for your next meeting, or even back home to see the family, because there's no extra time wasted.
Judit, a mother of three and a company director, was the deciding factor. "I would never have been able to spend an hour or two a week in coaching sessions if I had to travel all the time," she says. The online format allowed her to participate from home during the children's school hours.
Comfort zone vs. growth zone
An interesting paradox is that the online space is both a comfort zone and an opportunity for growth. The client is in his own environment, which gives him a sense of security, but at the same time he has to deal with new challenges.
"The biggest surprise for me was that I was able to have deep conversations on screen that I had previously thought unthinkable." - said László, who originally only wanted to work with us personally.
Documentation and continuous improvement
The another common positive of online coaching experiences is the ease of documentation. In the digital environment easier monitoring of objectives, tasks and results. Many customers report that this helps them to maintaining awareness of the process.
The challenges and constraints
Technical barriers
Let's be honest: not all online coaching experiences are trouble-free. Technical difficulties are real. Bad internet connection, sound or picture problems may disrupt the proceedings of the meeting.
One time Zoltán was on the verge of a breakthrough on an issue important to him when the relationship suddenly broke down. When we reconnected, that special moment was lost. That's why it's important to always have a Plan B - a telephone connection or an alternative platform. We always discuss these in advance and make them available.
The quality of human contact
Many people ask: can the same quality of connection really be built online? In our experience, yes, but in a different way. Verbal communication and emphasis will be more important in the online space. Body language is limited, but the nuances of voice, the choice of words, become even more central.
When it doesn't work
There are situations when online coaching experiences are negative. Katalin is instructive: he lived in an environment where he was often interrupted, unable to create a private space for himself. This eventually led us to switch to a hybrid format - some meetings online, others in person.
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Flexibility in your schedule | Possibility of technical problems |
| Security of your own environment | Limited body language reading |
| Saving travel time | External distractions |
| Easier to document | Device Dependence |
| Wider choice of coaches | Lack of personal presence |
The possibility of a hybrid approach
In recent years, we have found that for many customers, the hybrid coaching is the best solution. This means alternating online and face-to-face meetings according to the situation.
Gábor, the head of an international company in Budapest, Hungary, for example, decided to hold half of the monthly coaching sessions online and half in person. "Face-to-face meetings are more in-depth, online sessions are more practical," she said of her experience. This approach allows you to benefit from both formats.
What to look out for when choosing online coaching?
Creating the right environment
The online coaching experiences success rate at large influenced by the environment. It's important to have a quiet, private space where no one interrupts the conversation. This could be your home office, or even your car if that's the only place to be disturbed.
Technical preparation
Simple things, but with a big impact:
- Test a stable internet connection in advance
- Checking camera and microphone quality
- Discussing an alternative contact method (e.g. telephone)
- Providing adequate lights, possibly lighting
A coach selection
Not all coaches are equally adept at leading online coaching. It is worth with a coaching professional who already has experience in this field.
What does the research show?
According to the Coaching Federation International (ICF) Global Survey 2024 82% of online coaching experiences received positive or very positive ratings. Many participants highlighted the benefits of flexibility and accessibility.
An interesting statistic is that among those who have tried both forms, 67% found no significant difference in effectiveness, 21% preferred the online form and only 12% clearly preferred face-to-face meetings.
Generational differences
Research also shows that the online coaching experiences there are generational differences in the assessment of. The younger generation is more natural to the digital space, while the older generation is often more sceptical. But this does not mean that online coaching is less effective for them - it just requires different preparation and support.
Trends of the future
In the coaching industry, there is a growing trend towards technology-enabled coaching. This means not only video conferencing, but also tools such as AI-based target tracking, digital logging or even VR-based exercises.
In our view, it will not replace human contact, but it can complement it. From online coaching experiences the next wave of these are likely to be the integration of technologies with traditional coaching methods.
Practical tips for getting started
If you decide to you try online coaching, it is worth starting gradually. Many coaches will offer a test session where you can test the technical environment and get a feel for how suitable this format is for you.
Getting ready for the first meeting
- Test the technology at least one day before
- Prepare the environment - quiet place, adequate lighting
- Think about your goals - what you want to achieve through the coaching process
- Be open to the new format, but share any concerns with your coach
Continuous assessment
The online coaching experiences during regular feedback is important. If something is not working, talk about it. It might just need small changes - using a different platform, changing the time of the meetings or optimising the environment.
Real feedback from customers
"I was sceptical at first, but now I couldn't imagine working any other way. Online coaching has allowed me to work on my own development in a regular and consistent way without the logistics getting in the way."
- Peter, CEO
The online coaching experiences often includes the customisability is. Online, it is easier to switch between different coaching styles, incorporating digital tools, presentations or even common online spreadsheets for goal tracking.
Mary, who career coaching programme, he said: "I loved that we could collaborate on my LinkedIn profile during the session, or we could look at the target company's website together. This would have been much more difficult in person."
Types of coaching and the online format
Executive coaching in an online environment
The executive coaching in particular, the online format works well. Managers travel frequently, have tight schedules and value flexibility. CoachLab's experience shows that 85% of its senior clients continue to coach online, even after the option of face-to-face meetings has been reinstated. Of course, there are always clients who prefer the personal space of their office or ours for confidentiality reasons. I would add that online meetings have a high level of security, so the level of confidentiality is at least as high as if they were held in person in an office.
Life coaching and online space
A life coaching in the case of online coaching experiences are often even more positive. People open up more easily about personal issues in the safe environment of their own home/room. The intimate space, what home means, often leads to deeper self-reflection.
Cost-effectiveness and accessibility
A major advantage of online coaching is the cost-efficiency and environmental awareness, i.e. the negative environmental impacts of travel are also reduced. Not only can the coaching fee be cheaper, but the savings in travel costs and time can be considerable. A coaching prices it is important to take these hidden costs and considerations into account when comparing.
Thomas, for a small town entrepreneur, this was the deciding factor: "Going to Budapest every time would have been costly, time-consuming and environmentally damaging. Online coaching allowed me to access quality service without having to travel all the time."
Wider coach-choice
The another common positive from online coaching experiencesthat nem need to work with a coach in close geographical proximity. This can be particularly useful in specialised fields such as sales coaching (what we at CoachLab excel at in the domestic and international coaching market), where there are fewer specialised professionals.
Building trust in the digital space
Many people ask how to build trust in an online environment. Based on our experience, this is not harder, just different. The emphasis shifts to verbal communication, consistency and predictability.
Anna, an HR manager shared with us, "At first it seemed strange to talk about things on a screen that I hadn't even told my best friend before. But somehow the coach's professionalism and patience came through on the screen."
When to choose online coaching?
The online coaching experiences this form is particularly recommended in certain situations:
- Lack of time - when the logistics of face-to-face meetings are too complicated
- Geographical distance – rural or foreign customers for
- Need for flexibility - variable working hours or family circumstances
- Technology-friendly personality - who are comfortable in the digital space
- Specific coaching areas - where there are few local coach specialists or coach experts
Contra-indications
However, there are situations where the online format is less recommended:
- When dealing with serious crisis situations
- When the customer does not have an appropriate technical environment
- When using certain non-verbal techniques
- If the customer is explicitly resistant to the technology
- When coaching tools help the client to develop the most
Changes in the coaching industry
The the rise of online coaching experiences not just a temporary trend, but marks a fundamental change in the coaching industry. Digitalisation opens up new opportunities, but also creates new challenges.
According to the [Forbes 2024 report](Forbes.com - The Future of Executive Coaching Post-Pandemic) coaching services 65%-already in hybrid or purely online format. This change is not only the effect of the epidemic, but also a natural consequence of digital transformation.
Technological innovations in coaching
The future of online coaching experiences are likely to be even richer. Developers are working on solutions such as:
- AI-enabled target tracking - automatic progress monitoring
- Virtual reality applications - everlasting coaching experiences
- Biometric feedback - measuring stress and mood
- Gamification elements - motivational playful solutions
- Digital and visual coaching when including elements - e.g.: PhotoCoaching
These innovations do not replace human contact, but support and enrich it.
Conclusion: does it work or not?
To return to the question asked at the beginning of the article: does online coaching really work? The answer is complex but clear: yes, it worksif used under the right conditions.
The based on online coaching experiences it can be stated that this form not only as an alternative to personal coaching, but also an approach with independent valuess. There are advantages and disadvantages, there are situations when it is ideal and there are situations when it is less suitable.
The point is to find your own way. If you're open to change, if you value flexibility, and if you have the right technical environment, you can online coaching may be the ideal solution for you. However, if you value physical presence, if you find it difficult to adapt to technology, or if you are in a situation where personal contact is essential, you may want to consider traditional or hybrid form choose.
A CoachLab experience shows that the best online coaching experiences are made when the client makes an informed choice, prepares properly and remains open to corrections in the process.
