Dependent on trust and improved by transparency

Abstract

Ole Michael Spaten interviews Professor Stephen Palmer on the coaching relationship, newer findings and future research. In this interview, Palmer stated that there is no consensus in the precise definition of the coaching relationship. However, Palmer mentions his previous definition of the coaching relationship: ‘a unique, co-created, evolving relationship comprising the coaching alliance plus additional client and coach contributions.’ Likewise, Palmer pointed out that a fruitful coaching relationship is essential for coachees to accomplish their goals. According to Palmer, some of his key findings is that coaching relationship is dependent on trust and is improved by transparency. Additionally, Palmer declares that striving towards goals and enhancing performance are essential factors in coaching. Moreover, he acknowledged that the phenomena of virtual coaching that we encounter would benefit from further research.