Our June Network: Sharing Our Value
Our June Network: Sharing Our Value
On one of the warmest days of the year, coinciding with the summer solstice, the BSC Network gathered. Despite the heat, Zoom calls can make you feel even warmer- it was an energising moment. We were ready to connect, learn, and share. This session focused on something close to my heart: Perspectives on Impact.
For weeks leading up to this, I found myself thinking about impact, musing over it, preparing for this Saturday session. The beauty of this network lies in its openness to ideas and the space it provides to build thought leadership, particularly in the realms of coaching, mentoring, and supervision. So, for this session, I wanted to put forward my perspective: a perspective on how we communicate impact in the work we do.
Now, here’s the thing. I have often noticed there’s a bit of apprehension around the word “impact.” New coaches, and even those with experience, sometimes struggle with it. How do you prove it? What does it mean? If you cannot prove it, should you even talk about it? These questions can feel overwhelming. And then there’s the academic approach- clinicalisation, blind studies, variables. I get it; we are not in a lab. The world we operate in doesn’t always fit neatly into these moulds.
So, I wanted to steer the conversation towards the idea of value. And to be clear, I wasn’t talking about personal values like respect, honesty, or family, those fundamental aspects of who we are. I was focusing on the value we bring to the marketplace- the tangible worth of our coaching, mentoring, and supervision.
I started with a straightforward question: “How do you share the value of your coaching or mentoring in the marketplace?” The silence was telling. Not everyone does, and not everyone knows how. To spark reflection, I ran a quick poll. The results were surprising: only 19% of participants believed they shared the value of their work, while a whopping 81% didn’t. This formed the backbone of our discussion.
At this point, I highlighted the Global Code of Ethics for coaches, mentors, and supervisors. Specifically, under the integrity section, clause 2.10 says: “Members will accurately and honestly represent the value they provide.” This is what we’ve signed up for. But the reality is, many of us don’t effectively communicate our value- and I have my theories as to why.
First, confidentiality. It is the cornerstone of our work and the profession’s reputation. But managing it is straightforward when handled well in the contracting phase with the client.
Second, contracting itself. Often, it is used as a reason not to do something. A good contract should cover all elements before the work begins, including confidentiality and the sponsor’s role. The Global Code covers this in clauses 2.13 to 2.17.
Third, definitions. In those pre-conversations- chemistry meetings, contracting discussions, why not define what we mean by “value”? Introducing this concept early on can clear up confusion. Clients often push back less when they understand our perspective, especially with relatable examples. For instance, sharing insights into an organisation’s cultural dynamics can illustrate the positive outcomes or solutions our work brings.
Lastly, micro versus macro. When we talk about value and impact, we often think globally, three, six, or more sessions in the programme. But there is something powerful in zooming in on the session level. Each interaction has its own elements, inputs, and potential impact. I like to think of these as “impact components.” What is the most significant piece for this session? What is needed right now? If both coach and client reflect on this- whether separately or together-it can enrich the next session and elevate readiness and preparedness.
This conversation was not just about sharing thoughts; it was about challenging ourselves, redefining how we see value, and inspiring action. Because at the end of the day, impact is not just something abstract- it is the heartbeat of what we do.
Judith Barton
Director of Coaching
British School of Coaching
June 2025
