ABSTRACT
Key themes relating to the coaching alliance are covered in this chapter, which includes topics such as coaching/communication skills, “use of the self” by the coach, coach competencies and style, and the role of the coachee. Some of the learning aims to focus on include:
understanding the nature of the coaching relationship;
appreciating the critical role of the coaching alliance in the coaching process and in coaching outcomes;
comprehending the functional similarities (as well as differences) in coaching alliances to other helping relationships and across coachees;
awareness of the links between the coaching relationship and coaching psychology, in research and practice terms; and
understanding how coaching relationship research findings can usefully inform coaching practice.
The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the fundamental importance of coaches and coachees actively fostering strong coaching alliances, drawing upon coaching research evidence and discussing examples in coaching practice.
The focus of the chapter is to illustrate what has been found in research studies to indicate the formation of effective coaching relationships, and suggest how coachees and coaches can actively work on establishing, developing, maintaining, and ending these coaching relationships in the service of constructive coaching outcomes.
