APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021 , Vol . 7
The Coach Developer also benefitted from shared learning via discussions with the critical friends about the CoPs .
Coach Developer
“ Having a team of critical friends to support me with expertise , an interest and knowledge gave me a great soundboard to listen to honest opinions .”
Applied Value
Coaches are continuing to discuss topics with others outside the CoP
Following the CoPs , coaches have taken the topics that have been raised and continued discussions with other coaches and their athletes to explore the topics in more depth .
Coaches
“ It has made me reflect and review . I have more informal chats with others about some of the topics and just generally .”
“ I pick the brains of other coaches , especially to get rowing perspectives on the topics we discussed .”
“ I have covered the session again with someone else , one-to-one , which is a way I like to make sense of things .”
Coach Developer
“ Previous topics have been revisited , leading to a real depth of conversation . This has given the coaches the confidence to get into these deeper conversations .”
“ A number of coaches connect post session in our group ; they are having conversations in their own coaching environment ; with their coaching team and athletes .”
Members have implemented new strategies in their practice
The CoP has prompted the Coach Developer to reflect on how to embed social learning more into their wider Coach Developer practice .
Coach Developer
“ I ’ ve reflected on my own CoPs and landscape . I am more engaged with social learning spaces / CoPs and the benefits they bring ... This has shone a spotlight on virtual psychological safety and how the CoP has led to enhanced quality of relationships with those involved .”
Realised Value Members are using social learning more
Now that the coaches have experienced CoPs , they are engaging in social learning much more frequently .
Coaches
“ I see the value of this way of working with my athletes . I take some of the topics and share with them and get them to discuss it . I also chat to my athletes more informally ( due to seeing the value of informal conversations ).”
“ I record a brief of the week , which I share with my athletes .”
“ I have set up and run CoPs with coaches where I volunteer .”
The Coach Developer has also engaged more and sees more value in social learning following the CoPs .
Coach Developer
“ This has shown me that CoPs can be a rich vehicle for conversation in Coach Developer space . I am using this more as part of my journey with coaches ... I got to know the coaches in a different way from a different approach , which meant my relationships were stronger .”
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