by Howard B. Esbin (Canada)
The word ‘coach’ derives from an invention that revolutionised travel throughout 15th Century Europe. This started with a new kind of horse drawn carriage invented in the Hungarian town of Kocs. Over decades and centuries this type of carriage became known variously in Spanish and Portuguese as coche, in Italian as cocchino, and in Dutch as koets.
By the early 1800s, ‘coach’ had morphed into a slang term used by Oxford University students to refer to their tutor/instructors. The idea was they “carried” their students through their exams to success. By mid century, the term extended to athletic coaches as well. Meanwhile the original idea of coach as transport also continued evolving; hence the rail coach and airplane coach class.
A new technology has once again revolutionised transport. This time it is moving communication and ideas in ways and speeds unimaginable to earlier generations. And again this new invention is changing the way coaches help carry their clients and students to success. The article title is meant to encapsulate the full gamut of virtual coaching practiced today. That is one on one, with teams, and with groups.
Source: iCN Issue 19 (Group Dynamics: Team Coaching); pages 50-51
About Howard B. Esbin
Being the scion of generations of designers and artists naturally predisposed his avocation and career. Over the course of Howard’s professional life, he became intrigued with the ‘why’ of ‘visual thinking and communication. This led to a concurrent study of the creative process.
He developed the Prelude Suite™. The Prelude Suite™ is an experiential learning resource that empowers virtual team performance by strengthening trust.
