The benefits of coaching have long been proven in sports, but is there a place for it in leadership too? The answer is a definite YES!
If you want to encourage learning in your organisation, accelerate self-development in individuals, drive collaboration in your team and create a positive culture where employees are loyal and self-motivated, it might be time to change to the coaching leadership style.
Not sure if it is for you? Here are five team building benefits that coaching leaders bring to organisations.
1. A coaching leader encourages learning and initiative
A coaching leader encourages the learning process of employees and promotes independence. Their approach is to empower a team to work autonomously and independently and use their initiative and problem-solving abilities while at the same time, making their employees feel nurtured and supported.
Their style is not to tell or instruct with tasks but to guide and help employees develop their intuition, skills and confidence so they can work out priorities and resolve problems on their own with plenty of positive and constructive feedback along the way.
2. A coaching leader identifies strengths and weaknesses
A coaching leader knows that to get the most out of their employees, they need to get to know their employees. They take the time to find out their career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses.
They encourage employees to establish long-term development goals and help create a plan to achieve them by matching strengths and career aspirations to the right development pathways. By knowing weaknesses, they also build a stronger team, filling gaps through upskilling or their recruitment strategy.
3. A coaching leader accelerates self-development
As employees of a coaching leader have the freedom to make mistakes and the space to brainstorm, research and educate themselves on the tasks needing to be carried out, their self-development and growth happens at a far greater rate.
A coaching leader’s willingness to put up with short-term failure for long-term learning, results in a team that is more successful, agile and resilient.
4. A coaching leader drives collaboration
A coaching leader swaps control for collaboration and command for creativity. As a result, the long-term strategic play is prioritised over short-term firefighting.
Goals are clear, and everyone knows what they are working towards. This breaks down silos and creates a culture of comradery and accountability.
5. A coaching leader creates a positive organisational culture
Coaching leaders show they believe in their employees and are willing to invest in their learning and development. As a result, they often have a loyal and committed team who go above and beyond for the company and their fellow team members.
As you may have noticed, the coaching leadership style is opposite to the usual leadership style seen in a high-pressure, competitive business environment. But it is a powerful tool to upskill, strengthen and unite your team for the challenges that lie ahead – and it might just be the competitive edge you need.
Want to turn your leaders into coaching leaders? Call us today on 1300 27 83 45 to find out about our internationally accredited coaching certification program.
