Neutral In‐Tensions: Navigating Neutrality in Coaching

Abstract

Neutrality in coaching, as an often‐mentioned yet under‐theorized norm of practice, is illustrative of how a lack of conceptualization leaves professionals with eclectic and contradictory tools and techniques. Therefore, the current study examines coaches' attempts to practice neutrality, with diverse implications for their conceptions of professional practice. Through a qualitative study of 57 executive coaches using a critical incident technique, we identify situations of conceptual and practical complexity. The ongoing practice of enacting neutrality gave rise to diverse tensions, to which coaches responded by formulating individualization and socialization strategies that had different consequences in terms of forms of awareness. Considering neutrality in terms of situated, engaged, and processual practice, we use these findings to theorize its enactment within the interest‐laden world of organizations. Our study contributes to the theory and practice of coaching while also furthering understanding of the dynamic nature of seeking neutrality in professional contexts.

That’s political! A Freirean perspective towards coaching as a social practice

“…Rather, the intertwining of theory, application and reflexivity is essential. These elements are all interconnected and inseparable because a priori theoretical position fails the empirical test when practitioners run into complexities that require adaptation and adjustment (Fatien Diochon and Nizet, 2019; Fatien et al, 2022). This was well evidenced in our study when the coaches engaged with the inquiry not only as a research project but also as a way of living their practice.…”

“…In fact, assuming the neutrality of coaching and its apolitical nature makes it part of the power structures of domination. Coaches’ ‘commitment to absolute neutrality’ (Gannon, 2021: 23) leads to them serving a political agenda without their awareness (Fatien et al, 2022; Hurlow, 2022; Shoukry and Cox, 2018). For instance, Hany Shoukry (2017) notes that ‘in every situation where coachees are part of an oppressive social structure, coaching becomes a political process, even when it takes place under the banners of life, career, or developmental coaching’ (p. 184).…”

“…A similar incongruence exists in coaching, with coaches reporting significant tensions when trying to reconcile the neutrality ideal with the reality of their practice (Fatien et al, 2022). In fact, assuming the neutrality of coaching and its apolitical nature makes it part of the power structures of domination.…”

“…Largely ignoring issues of power (Reissner and Du Toit, 2011; Shoukry and Cox, 2018), methods and practices have been accepted into the mainstream thinking of coaches without critical consideration of their implicit biases. However, the long-assumed neutrality of coaching is now openly questioned (Fatien et al, 2022; Hurlow, 2022), and the practice of coaching is being called upon to be re-embedded into a larger political context of operation. We can even observe a greater social turn in coaching (Gannon, 2021; Shoukry and Cox, 2018), with questions being raised about its contribution to supporting the neoliberal excesses of corporate behaviours (Gannon, 2021), its ability to address ecological muteness and other grand challenges (Boyatzis et al, 2022), and its role in perpetuating structural racism (Roche and Passmore, 2023; Shoukry, 2021).…”