APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021 , Vol . 7
Reframing Value Coaches are taking ownership of the CoP
Although when the CoPs were initially introduced , they were very much driven by the Coach Developer in terms of setting them up and identifying a leader , over time , the coaches started to take more ownership .
Coaches
“ We have our own breakout sessions now , which we run ourselves . Sometimes it ’ s just three or four coaches catching up , no big deal , just part of what we do .”
“ One CoP meetup was cancelled as the coach who was due to lead it was unavailable . Six coaches logged in anyway and had a great chat !”
Coach Developer
“ The online CoP has provided a safe , reliable , consistent space ( especially through COVID-19 ). Depth of conversation is the norm now and the ability to challenge each other comfortably and appropriately is so valuable … It IS a CoP now ! With six to eight regulars . They understand it , what it is and how to run it . They are using the CoP to LEARN .”
Summary and Recommendations
The purpose of this project was to explore how a CoP could be set up and delivered in an online environment , and also understand the value that can be created for coaches by participating in an online CoP .
CoPs are a great way for coaches to learn in an online environment
This project has identified that online CoPs can create value for coaches in many ways in relation to their coaching and learning practice . It has also shown the benefits of a support structure for the organiser of a CoP .
Coaches can engage with other coaches on a regular basis and develop relationships without having to travel . A coach can also pick up new ideas , problem solve , share resources and develop new skills such as questioning and listening by being part of an online CoP .
Online CoPs can also open up new ways of learning for coaches , encouraging them to delve deeper into topics and discuss things more with other coaches and their athletes .
As with face-to-face CoPs , it takes time for some of these benefits to emerge . In fact , building connections , getting free-flowing conversations and breaking down barriers that prevent some people being confident to speak might take longer in an online environment than face to face . An online CoP , therefore , needs to be given time to evolve and flourish . There might be some awkward silences along the way !
This lends even more to providing some structure and support to the CoP in the early days . Engaging both coaches and organisers in CoP orientation activities before the CoP meetups start can help prepare everyone to know what to expect and give a scaffold to help in the planning , leading and participation in the CoP .
This project also identified the value of critical friends to support the organiser of the CoP ( in this case , a Coach Developer ). Support from knowledgeable and neutral people was shown to enable confidence , reflection and ability to lead and progress the CoP in an appropriate manner for the Coach Developer , as well as enabling them to develop themselves through the process .
Recommendations Take time to plan the online CoP
Getting people together in an online environment can be tricky , especially if people don ’ t know each other . So , it is important to spend time beforehand to determine the purpose of the CoP , get the right people involved and define expectations of the group .
Get people ready for CoP learning
The informal , social nature of CoPs is still something that takes people a little while to get used to . This is true of coaches and CoP organisers ( in this case , the Coach Developer ). Planning in CoP orientation sessions to prime and support everyone in relation to what to expect and how they can contribute can help set the ball rolling once the CoP starts . Using the online platform for these activities can get
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