Why It Works: The Research Behind Aperture Work Coaching
At Aperture Work, we don’t just believe in whole-person coaching because it feels good. We believe in it because it works—and the research agrees.
Leadership coaching is most powerful when it honors the full humanity of the people we serve. That means attending not just to performance, but to purpose. Not just to outcomes, but to well-being. Our approach is rooted in tested, evidence-based practices drawn from psychology, adult learning theory, neuroscience, and organizational health—woven together with the spiritual insight that guides our distinctive lens.
What the Research Shows
Growth Comes Through Reflection and Action
Dr. Anthony Grant, one of the pioneers of coaching psychology, demonstrated that effective coaching blends structured reflection with actionable goals. This balance enhances motivation, resilience, and sustained change—not just quick fixes.
“Coaching helps individuals increase self-regulation and move forward with intentionality.”
Grant, 2012
Whole-Person Development Leads to Better Performance
Research by BetterUp and others confirms that leaders who are supported across multiple dimensions—mental, emotional, relational, and vocational—are more creative, resilient, and impactful.
“When we develop the whole person, we develop the whole leader.”
BetterUp, 2022
Mind, Body, and Spirit Are Designed to Work Together
Dr. Curt Thompson, a Christian psychiatrist and author of The Soul of Shame and The Anatomy of the Soul, has shown how relational neurobiology and spiritual formation are deeply linked. His work affirms that healing and growth happen when people are known in safe, connected, and spiritually meaningful ways—mirroring the kinds of coaching conversations we seek to create.
“Being known is the foundation of transformation.”
CurtThompsonMD.com
Wellness Practices Support Long-Term Resilience
Studies across public health and psychology consistently show that lifestyle rhythms—like sleep, movement, connection, and rest—are not optional extras, but foundational to emotional and cognitive health. These principles, affirmed in clinical literature, are woven into the structure of our coaching conversations and action plans.
“Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that healthy life rhythms reduce stress and enhance decision-making, creativity, and relational depth.”
Summary based on research in journals such as American Psychologist and JAMA Psychiatry.
Ethical Coaching Respects Scope and Boundaries
Our coaches are trained to recognize the difference between coaching and therapy—an emphasis supported by work from Dianne Stober, Fielding Graduate University, and the ICF. This ensures clients receive the right kind of care at the right time.
“Evidence-based coaching respects the client’s autonomy while remaining grounded in best practice.”
Stober & Grant, 2006
How This Shapes Our Coaching
- Clarity and Perspective — Coaching adapts to the season, offering wide-lens vision or focused insight as needed.
- Personalized Growth — We work with each individual’s strengths, temperament, and goals.
- Holistic Care — We coach each person in their situation in light of the whole person.
- Ethical Integrity — We coach within scope and refer when deeper mental health needs arise.
We don’t promise quick fixes. We promise thoughtful, responsive, research-informed care.
Want to Know More?
Or reach out—we’d love to talk about how coaching rooted in evidence and compassion can support your growth, team, or mission.