The publishing of draft guidelines for coaching in Australia created angst, controversy and a fear of being hijacked in some quarters, but the move presents an opportunity for coaching psychologists to lead the way, said Peter Zarris.
“[The move] has created enormous controversy and raised fears and incredible sensitivity. The organisational psychologists are ready to charge at us [coaching psychologists] with arms, the Australian Psychological Society [APS] colleges of organisation and counselling see this as their domain as well,” said Zarris, convenor for the APS’s Interest Group in Coaching Psychology (2007-10).
“Others are saying their skills are being diluted while some members fear that the barbarians are at the gates – ‘we’re only hundreds, there are thousands of them and they are better at marketing’.”
Speaking at the 1st International Congress for Coaching Psychology, he said: “We want in, here’s our chance. We need a common understanding globally, we want our voice at the table and we want the principles and knowledge of our profession to matter. The relationship between coaching and coaching psychology is dated and shaky, we have to become leaders,” he said.
The ‘brand’ of coaching psychology needs to change. Coaching psychologists are good at marketing to each other but they need to raise the bar, he said.
The guidelines were due to be published in final form in January after a period of consultation. Michael Cavanagh, who wrote the guidelines, was sitting in the audience. He said: “There are other assumptions about barbarians at the gate – that we were here first and we weren’t.”
Zarris replied: “Whether we were or weren’t, we can still lead the way. Let’s try and get more people together. Together we’re stronger.”
Coaching at Work, Volume 6, Issue 2