The role of coaching in managerial careers of women

Abstract

Coaching is a fast-growing concept that can help women develop the tools to successfully compete for top managerial positions traditionally held by men, a development that could lead to better business results. Despite the fact that the coaching process is not differentiated in respect to the client’s sex, the authors justify its application in the professional development of women who want to be managers and compete for managerial positions with men. An analysis of contemporary Polish and international literature, as well as interviews conducted with women who underwent this process and hold top positions in organizations, suggests that coaching can be used as a tool facilitating and accelerating career development. It probably plays a similar role in the case of men, but this paper is devoted to the involvement of women in the coaching process.