Mind your language – Digital Coach vs. Digital Coaching Platforms
Navigating the language in the realm of learning can sometimes be tricky, and the terms we use to describe certain concepts can make all the difference. Take learning transfer, for example—it’s a field riddled with various terms like embedding, reminding, reinforcement, and behavioural change. What I might refer to as learning transfer could be embedding the learning for you. Nowadays, we find ourselves in a similar situation when it comes to digital coaching.
While attending the New York University Coaching and Technology Summit, I realised that we often rely on assumptions and diverse language to discuss the integration of technology within coaching.
The term ‘digital coaching’ has been a particular source of confusion within organisations. So, in this article, I’m taking a moment to clarify the distinction between a digital coach and a digital coaching platform.
Digital Coach vs. Digital Coaching Platform
In simple terms, ‘digital coaching’ encompasses any form of technology that facilitates coaching.
Many companies offer what is now commonly referred to as “digital coaching platforms.” These platforms serve as hubs, creating an environment where coaching can thrive. They match coaches with clients, manage schedules, provide assignments and additional resources, and might even host virtual calls or chats between coaches and coachees—think MS Teams (chat/audio/video) or Zoom (audio/video). They essentially support the human coaching relationship by making it more efficient and accessible, albeit virtually.
However, these platforms mainly act as tools to help human coaches do their work remotely, eliminating the necessity for face-to-face interactions. The coaching community I encountered in New York tended to refer to this as digital coaching.
On the other hand, a digital coach is an entirely different beast. You’re more than welcome to explore www.MeetCoachM.com and let me know if you want to try it out for yourself. A digital coach is, in essence, a technological entity. While it can complement the work of a human coach, in over 70% of our clients, it operates as a standalone coach. It guides individuals from their current state to their desired state, helping them bridge the gap. This gap is initially identified using an action plan document. The digital coach employs technology to ask questions and assist individuals in devising their own solutions, much like a human coach would.
So, be mindful of your language when exploring digital solutions in the coaching field. Make sure you know whether you’re investing in a digital coaching platform, a digital coach, or a combination of the two. 🙂