Coaching as an Innovative Method in Rural Development Consulting

Purpose: The aim of empirical research hereunder carried out in 2021 was to determine the effectiveness of the adopted strategy and working methods of SIR brokers from PODR (Pomeranian Agricultural Advisory Centre) in Lubań during the implementation of the project "E-networking - innovative solutions in agriculture". Design/Approach/Methodology: The survey research was conducted based on the CAWI method. An original survey questionnaire was used, prepared on the Webankieta platform. The survey was addressed to 200 people who showed interest in the project because of encountering information on the Internet. Additionally, the NPS (Net Promoter Score) method was used to determine the level of participants’ satisfaction of coaching sessions. Findings: The subject of evaluation was the method of coaching implemented with the use of ICT tools. The research shows that both the information meetings, webinars and coaching sessions were evaluated positively by the participants, and a significant increase in satisfaction with participation in the entire project was observed, especially if a person participated in the coaching sessions. This is important information from the perspective of introducing new working methods in agricultural consultancy. Practical Implications: Based on the experience of this project, it is to be concluded that the coaching method should meet with a positive reception among the potential recipients of advice. Originality/Value: The use of the coaching method in the process of establishing operational groups for innovation is indeed innovative as it is one of the first initiatives curried out in this area.