The term “coaching” can represent different things in the workplace. In some organizations, the term “coaching” has, unfortunately, gotten a bad rap. When the boss suggests you be provided with a coach, rather than think of it as a gift you might interpret as, “I have an issue.”
However, when it comes to leadership transformation, coaching is about getting access to specialized expertise and support; to have that unbiased person to share confidences with, to see yourself through a clear mirror, to practice an approach, etc. The idea is to help leaders reach their full potential, to be an effective leader for their teams and, in turn, to achieve the company’s goals and objectives.
In this article, we explain what is leadership coaching , provide examples of how it can dramatically accelerate business growth, along with tips on what to look for in choosing a leadership coach.
What is a leadership coach?
A leadership coach is a skilled and experienced guide and businessperson, who understands the world of work and provides a leader with a safe space to discuss pressing or emerging issues and concerns.
The overarching purpose is to surface untapped potential in people and organizations. Coaches do this by helping leaders see and experience the power of the individuals and teams they lead and to clear the way for them to contribute fully.
Leadership coaches use specialized tools and processes to build a leader’s capacity to achieve organizational goals. They provide personal, customized coaching in one-on-one sessions or in small groups.
Why is leadership coaching important?
Coaching has a positive impact on both individual development and organizational performance, according to a recent study by the HR Research Institute.
Organizations often use leadership development coaching to navigate market disruption, mergers and acquisitions or other business transformations. This means gaining an early, dramatic acceleration in business growth and success. Coaching can transform an executive team into a high-functioning, collaborative unit, and can support management teams in achieving their full potential.
Transformational Leadership Examples:
A corporate merger means a lot more than two companies are coming together. It is a complex process to combine cultures, structures and governance. Leaders need to come together quickly as a dynamic team to steer the transformation. A leadership coach will create a unique framework to overcome challenges and speed results during this crucial time.
A senior executive at one of the world’s biggest FMCG corporations said, “Our leadership coaches were our partners during our integration journey, filling a void that was very much needed during times of great change. They helped our people feel comfortable with and trust the change.”
When new legislation brought two long-established nursing regulators together into one organization, their coaches helped leaders create a positive environment to speed and manage the change.
“There was no sense that any person or team needed to ‘be fixed’,” said a senior director at the new nursing regulator. “Our coaches helped us to understand everyone’s unique strength, and that, to maximize those strengths we all had work to do. Our coaches brought tremendous skill, compassion and kindness to every conversation.”
In a highly competitive labor market, a global digital gaming brand invests in recruiting the best talent, and it wants to improve employee retention.
A company executive said, “We realize that the cost of keeping and developing good people is significantly less than that of bringing new people on. Our leadership coaches bring immeasurable value to me as a leader and open up opportunities to grow and develop for those on my team.”
What to look for in a leadership coach
A pragmatic approach and a process that is proven to deliver real-world results. Look for a solid track record of successful client projects.
Extensive training in human behavior and team dynamics. This is augmented by the implementation of advanced leadership tools and frameworks that invite reflection, reframing and practice.
Extensive management consulting or business experience across multiple industry sectors. This provides a broad perspective and and will give you confidence that your coach understands the world you inhabit.
Authenticity and empathy as essential qualities to support crucial decision-making and in resolving conflict.
Authenticity and empathy as essential qualities to provide a safe harbor for your growth and development as a leader.
During the best of times, a company needs strong leadership to be successful; even more so during times of transformation, disruption, and change. As a strategic partner, a coach introduces new ways of working for leaders to deliver early and lasting business impacts.
Many leaders are now working from home during the pandemic so we at Trilogy Effect have created a new virtual service. The Coach-Is-In allows you to talk with one of our skilled and experienced coaches via telephone or video call, whenever there is a pressing concern or emerging issue.