7 Reasons I Prefer Zoom for One-on-One Coaching Sessions
The rise of digital communication platforms such as Zoom has revolutionized various industries, and the world of life and business coaching is no exception. Leveraging these platforms allows coaches and clients to connect seamlessly, transcending geographic boundaries and offering a unique blend of convenience and personal connection. I’ve been amazed at what an ideal vessel Zoom is for creating a safe space where my clients and I receive all three crucial elements of communication from one another (nonverbal behavior, tone of voice, and the literal meaning of the spoken word), allowing us to form trusting relationships and to feel deeply connected to each other and our process. But what are the tangible benefits of one-on-one coaching sessions using digital platforms, and are they as effective as traditional in-person sessions? Let's explore.
A Personal Connection in the Digital Age
One-on-one coaching is inherently personal, and this level of intimacy can be maintained, and perhaps even heightened, in a digital environment. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, telepsychology, or therapy via digital platforms, can produce therapeutic alliances as strong as those in face-to-face therapy, indicating the power of digital environments in building trust and connection, both fundamental components of a successful coaching relationship.
The 55/38/7 Formula
Albert Mehrabian, a researcher of body language, has done a series of studies where he and his researchers broke down the components of a face-to-face conversation. He found that communication is 55% nonverbal, 38% vocal, and 7% words only. The digital environment supports the coach and the coaching client in focusing on one another, rather than the environment in which they are placed. This increases the amount of critical nonverbal information that can be gathered and processed during our conversations.
The Comfort of Familiar Surroundings
Meeting in a physical location historically required the client to step into the coach's space. Digital platforms allow clients to engage in sessions from the comfort of your home or office, reducing the stress and lost time of travel and allowing you to be relaxed and to open up to our conversation more easily. This supports our ability to get down to the business of coaching more quickly, leading to more effective and impactful sessions. A study in the International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring supports this, finding that clients who participated in sessions from a familiar environment demonstrated an increased level of comfort and engagement.
Business Coaching
The success of businesses is largely dependant on the quality of communication within, and between, their teams. Digital coaching allows me to pull together live conversations with dispersed coaching team members to address and solve breakdowns in communication. We can also co-design more effective ways for their teams to communicate, often solving years-old problems in one session. The digital environment also lets me join business meetings as an observer (and facilitator, when requested), giving valuable insights into office and relationship dynamics that help me and my coaching clients problem solve challenging situations.
Efficient Time Management
Scheduling sessions between busy people can be a significant hurdle in coaching relationships. One-on-one digital coaching sessions offer increased flexibility, allowing for regular check-ins and quick updates between other obligations. This flexibility results in efficient use of time and resources, leading to better and faster outcomes.
Easier Access to Resources
In a digital coaching session, resources such as articles, worksheets, or videos can be shared and discussed in real-time. This instant access enhances the coaching experience, allowing me to provide tailored tools that directly address your needs, at the moment when they’re most useful to you.
Going Beyond Geographic Boundaries
By leveraging digital platforms, we're not limited by geography. You can select a coach who fits your needs perfectly, regardless of their location. And it allows me to coach people with aligned interests across the world. This digital interface supports matchmaking, helping clients and coaches find the best match for their personal and professional development goals.
Conclusion
While I once believed that face-to-face interaction was the gold standard for coaching, my research and experience suggest that one-on-one coaching via digital platforms such as Zoom is not only equally effective but also offers unique advantages. It provides a flexible, efficient, and deeply-connected coaching experience that can be tailored to my client’s needs. Embracing the digital shift in coaching helps me empower clients to unlock their full potential, regardless of where they—or I—are in the world.