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!'

Click to read blog post: Unbiased Definitions in plain language to aid the DEI conversation
By Jillian Penkin February 21, 2025
You've likely been hearing a lot more about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the recent weeks. What you might not realize, is that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies have their roots in the 1960 Civils Rights Movement and more specifically, the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Click to read blog post: Emotional Intelligence: There is Power in the Pause
By Jillian Penkin January 29, 2025
I recall giving advice to someone who was nervous before going up on stage before giving a speech and I said “there is power in the pause…”
Click to read blog post: Who are your
By Penkin Consulting January 19, 2025
In the busy world of modern organizations, the spotlight often shines brightly on the charismatic figures at the top - the visionary CEOs, innovative entrepreneurs, the sales team bringing in new clients.
Click to read blog post: Fundamental disconnect: where's the value in that?
By Jillian Penkin January 17, 2025
If we've heard it once, we've heard it a million times...a happy team is a productive one. Leaders are constantly seeking ways to maximize the talents and skills of their employees to stay ahead of the competition.
penkin consulting at public speaking engagement
By Jillian Penkin January 16, 2025
Public speaking is an essential skill that can open doors to countless opportunities in various professional fields. Whether you're presenting at a conference, leading a team meeting, or pitching an idea to investors, mastering public speaking techniques is key to success.
Click to read blog post: 10 signs your board meetings might actually be a sinking ship
By Jillian Penkin January 10, 2025
Are you Leading a Board or Getting Ready to Walk the Plank?
Click to read blog post: Can coaching successfully impact your company culture?
By Jillian Penkin December 9, 2024
No matter the industry, “culture” is a word that appears on every company website, echoes through every town hall, and is recognized as a key to organizational success.
Click to read blog post: When you speak about your passions... What's to be nervous about?
By Jillian Penkin October 11, 2024
As I stood on the stage, the echo of audience murmurs fading, the bright lights burning my eyes, I couldn't ignore the surge of nervous energy pulsating through me.
Click to read blog post: Elevate your leadership: Executive Training Solutions
By Jillian Penkin June 14, 2024
Effective leadership and executive training require a personal touch, and Penkin Consulting is here to deliver just that.