This month Sue Stockdale collaborates with machine learning to ask: Can AI take over the role of the coach?
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in transforming various aspects of the business world. From automation to data analysis, AI has proven to be a valuable tool for decision-making and efficiency. However, when it comes to replacing the role of a coach in business, the question remains: Can AI truly take over this human-centric role?
In seeking to answer this question, it seemed sensible to interrogate AI and get its perspective, and so this article has been written in collaboration with AI , taking its output and augmenting it with my own views, to distil where AI and a coach can work together in a synergistic manner, leveraging each other’s strengths to enhance the coaching experience and drive better results for the clients.
Demonstrating the skill of coaching often requires adapting to unique situations and personalities, which demands a nuanced understanding of human behaviour and context.
While AI can analyse patterns and provide generalised advice, it may struggle to account for the subtleties that arise in one-on-one interactions. A human coach brings emotional intelligence and empathy and can often ‘join the dots’ about human relationships or dynamics in a way that it can be hard for AI to replicate.
Often coaches bring more than just coaching skills, they also act as mentors, confidants, motivators, and sounding boards for leaders and employees alike. The human touch that a coach provides, such as understanding personal challenges, offering encouragement, and building trust are where real-life interactions are needed, and is where in my view coaches should hone their skills for the future. AI may struggle to handle unique or unforeseen situations, where coaches can be flexible in their methods and tailor their guidance based on real-time feedback and evolving circumstances.
That said, AI can add significant value to a coach through pattern recognition, streamlining processes, and enhancing the overall coaching experience for both the coach and their clients. Some examples are:
Data Analysis: AI can analyse vast amounts of data quickly and extract valuable insights, allowing coaches and clients to make data-driven decisions. This could involve analysing client performance metrics, feedback, and progress over time to identify patterns and trends. Wearable tech such as exercise trackers, or sleep monitors are already being used by coaches with their clients to identify ways to enhance health and wellbeing.
Personalisation: AI can help create personalised coaching plans based on individual client needs, strengths, and weaknesses. By considering each client’s unique attributes, AI can recommend tailored strategies and exercises to maximise their growth and development, and which can save the coach a lot of time.
Real-time feedback: AI-powered tools can provide immediate feedback to clients during coaching sessions. This real-time feedback can help clients adjust their behaviours and actions promptly, leading to more effective learning and skill development. This is particularly useful in environments such as call-centres where an individual can receive AI driven prompts to help steer conversations to the most effective outcome.
Performance tracking: AI can track clients’ progress over time and provide detailed reports on their achievements and areas for improvement. Coaches can use this information to assess their clients’ development and adjust coaching strategies accordingly.
Time management: AI can help coaches optimise their own day-to-day schedules by analysing availability, setting appointments, and managing administrative tasks. This frees up time for coaches to focus on more critical aspects of their coaching practice that provide more value.
Feedback analysis: AI can process feedback from clients and identify common themes or recurring issues. This analysis can help coaches identify areas where they need to improve their coaching approach and refine their methods. I recently took this type of data to my own coaching supervisor to analyse it and identify blind spots.
Skill assessment: AI-driven assessments can evaluate clients’ skills and competencies objectively. Coaches can use this data to customise training programmes.
Remote coaching: With AI-enabled virtual coaching tools, coaches can extend their reach beyond geographical limitations, offering their services to clients worldwide. This opens new markets and opportunities for coaches to grow their business.
Research and resources: AI can aid coaches in staying up to date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in their field. AI can comb through vast databases and recommend relevant articles, studies, and resources to enrich the coach’s knowledge base.
Rather than being fearful of technology and what it offers, AI can enhance the coaching process by providing data-driven insights, personalisation, real-time feedback, and efficient administrative support. It is unlikely to ever replace a human coach but by working together, AI can optimise the coaching process, empower clients to achieve their full potential, and make life a little easier for the coach.
(EndNote – how this blog was created. I made three enquiries to ChatGPT with different questions related to this subject, then used some of that content along with my own thoughts to create this blog. A true collaboration!)
Written in collaboration with ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com and Sue Stockdale who is an executive coach and polar explorer https://suestockdale.com
