When Does a Team Need a Mediator vs a Coach?

Penkin Consulting • January 27, 2025

Even the strongest teams face challenges. Conflicts arise, communication breakdowns, temporary stagnation or disruption from team changes. You may opt to bring in outside experts—a coach or mediator—to address these issues. Choosing the right approach depends on the situation.

Roles of a Mediator and a Coach


First, let's define some of what goes into "coaching" and what goes into "mediation"


Team Coach:

Focuses on long-term development and growth

Helps with performance improvement, communication, trust-building, and strategic thinking

Ideal for issues like new team formation, restructuring, or plateaued performance

Coaches enhance collaboration and foster psychological safety over time


Mediator:

Specializes in short-term conflict resolution

De-escalates disputes, restores communication, and finds common ground

Suitable for escalated conflicts, breakdowns in trust, or project-related stalemates

Mediators focus on resolving immediate issues and restoring harmony


Assess Your Team’s Needs


Nature of the Challenge:

Conflicts and communication breakdowns suggest a need for a mediator

Frustration or stagnation calls for a coach to enhance collaboration and clarity

Severity of Conflict:

Low-level tension can benefit from coaching

High-level conflicts that disrupt functionality require mediation

Duration of the Issue:

Short-term disputes (specific events or disagreements) call for mediation

Ongoing dynamics (recurring patterns like mistrust or poor collaboration) need coaching

Team Goals:

If the team needs immediate resolution, bring in a mediator

For long-term growth, opt for a coach


When a Team Needs Both


In some cases, teams may benefit from a hybrid approach. A mediator who resolves acute conflict, which can either be inclusive of or followed up by a coaching plan, created to support ongoing development and performance improvement. In some cases, it can make sense to separate these entities and others a smooth transition from one step to the next can prove beneficial.


So what's the takeaway here?


Admitting your team needs outside help is not admitting defeat! In fact, it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength and positive leadership when you can raise a flag and say 'Hey! We need a hand here!'

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