The Future of Coaching Programs with Darren McKee

By Andy Storch | February 20, 2024

I'd say the most trending thing and the most exciting thing that I'm seeing lately is C-suite involvement in building out L&D programs

As we venture into the future, the shape of coaching programs in the talent development realm is rapidly evolving.
Here's a short, insightful guide for L&D and HR leaders on how to navigate and leverage the future trends in coaching programs:

Understand the Emerging Trends

First, recognize that coaching programs are shifting from traditional license-based methods to a more flexible 'bank-style' system. This allows for a more tailored allocation of coaching sessions to suit individual needs.

Invest in Personal Development

Self-investment is key. Encourage professionals to invest in their own growth; it's not just beneficial for them but also for the organization as they then have more to offer others.

Consider Company Budgets

For companies with budget constraints, consider internally coaching a select group of individuals or creating internal workshops and trainings to cultivate skills within.

Ensure Effective Pilot Programs

Start with strategic pilot coaching programs to assess how external coaching aligns with your company's culture and business model. Evaluate their impact before entering long-term commitments.

Balance Virtual and In-Person Engagements

The current trend indicates a return to favoring in-person workshops, particularly for executive coaching. A balanced blend of virtual and in-person sessions can optimize learning and relationship building.

Cater to Middle-Level Managers

Focus on the 'forgotten middle' - the middle-level managers who play a critical role in conveying strategies and require support. Coaching can help them navigate challenges and implement new strategies effectively.

Align with Leadership

Ensure that learning programs have strong backing from the top levels of leadership. Their alignment is crucial for the success and justification of advancement in coaching programs.

Adapt to the Learner's Schedule

Adapt coaching to be available in shorter sprints to cater to busy schedules, showing that learning is still a priority despite increasing workloads and tighter budgets.

Go Global Mindfully

When dealing with global companies, find solutions that cater to each region while avoiding support inequality between headquarters and regional offices.

Embrace Generational Interests

The newer generations are more inclined toward learning, so design coaching programs that tap into this enthusiasm and cater to their learning preferences.
By following these strategies, you can effectively design and implement coaching programs that address the needs of the future workplace. Stay informed, be flexible, and continue to foster an environment that values growth and development.

Be sure to listen to the full episode on the Talent Development Think Tank Podcast!

Darren McKee's journey took a transformative turn during his tenure at Better, a dynamic company nestled along the vibrant west coast. He arrived with the ambition to excel in sales, particularly in the realm of coaching services, and quickly proved his mettle by surpassing his sales targets. However, it was the invaluable mentorship of PhD industrial-organizational psychologists, affectionately termed "people scientists" at Better, that reshaped his approach to sales and customer interaction.

Working shoulder-to-shoulder with these experts, Darren was steeredtowards a deeper comprehension of his buyers' core needs and desires. He learned to strip away the superfluous details of his pitches to focus on what really mattered to his clients: behavioral changes and tangible outcomes. This epiphany was a career-defining moment for Darren; he dove headlong into learning and adapting his techniques to align with the rich insights shared by his colleagues. Darren's story exemplifies the power of empathy and expertise in forging a successful sales career, underscored by an unwavering commitment to truly understanding and addressing the needs of those he served.

Darren McKee
Darren McKee

Listen to the podcast episode here:

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About Andy Storch

Andy Storch is an author, consultant, coach, speaker and facilitator on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. He is the author of the book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, which is designed to help professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy is also the host of three podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat; Own Your Career; and My NFT Journey. He is the co-founder and host of The Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community as well as the host of the Talent Development Virtual Summit. Andy has consulted and taught strategy, sales, leadership, finance, and innovation to business leaders all over the world including companies like Salesforce.com, Oracle, Google, Toyota, State Farm, Red Bull, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HP, Sony, Cisco, Tiffany & Co and others. Andy holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business where he served as President of the MBA program and a BS from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) His purpose is to love and support his family and to impact the world by inspiring people to stop drifting, take control and live life with Intention. He is a husband and father of two kids and lives in Orlando, Florida, USA.