This exploratory interpretive study provides impactful preliminary evidence on which to base further research into coaching amid challenging circumstances. Thematic analysis of transcript and visual data from eleven semi-structured interviews examines practitioner perspectives of workplace coaching during the exceptional disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic when abnormal stress amongst professionals was widespread. Findings revealed multiple environmental pressures affecting both coaches and coachees. These pressures added complexity to managing coaching interactions, driving intentional self-care on the part of coaches as well as multiple delivery-oriented innovations. Flexibility and adaptive capacity were found to be foundational for successful practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

This study explored the lived experience of four professionals who engaged in positive psychology coaching following an implicit association test and unconscious bias training. Unconscious bias training focuses on a human limitation, avoidance goals, and can result in defensiveness. In contrast, positive psychology coaching leverages strengths, intrinsically motivated approach goals and positive affect. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied to analyse data gathered via semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal that participants were self-conscious about being perceived negatively and they experienced deep introspection and reflexivity. Participants also reported increased self-efficacy, motivation to improve and feeling safe to discuss previously avoided personal issues.