Transform your Leadership by adopting a coaching approach

This week it’s International Coaching Week, so it is only fitting to pen an article that includes coaching!

Modern day leadership has evolved beyond command and control to one that emphasises collaboration, empowerment and development. A  coaching style of leadership has emerged as a powerful approach for driving team performance, fostering innovation and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.

Incorporating a coaching style of leadership is about helping colleagues reach their full potential by offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Instead of just giving orders, leaders use active listening, powerful questions, and constructive feedback to help their team members grow and develop.

One of the main benefits of a coaching approach is that it boosts colleague engagement and motivation. By involving team members in setting goals, solving problems, and making decisions, leaders foster a sense of ownership and accountability. This creates more commitment and enthusiasm toward achieving shared objectives.

A coaching approach also promotes open communication and collaboration. Team members feel valued, respected, and supported in their professional growth, which leads to increased trust, cohesion, and resilience. This makes teams better equipped to handle challenges and adapt to changes with confidence and agility.

Leaders who have experienced coaching firsthand are often more likely to embrace a coaching approach themselves. For those wanting to adopt this style, developing coaching skills is key. This can involve attending coaching training programmes, finding mentors who are experienced coaches, and practicing active listening, empathy, and inquiry in everyday interactions with their team members.

Here are seven powerful coaching questions from The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever, by Michael Bungay Stanier that leaders can integrate into their everyday conversations:

The Kickstart question: “What’s on your mind?”

This question helps initiate a meaningful and focused conversation about the person’s current priorities and concerns.

The AWE question (and what else?): “And what else?”

Encouraging further exploration, this question often reveals deeper insights and additional layers to the initial issue.

The Focus question: “What’s the real challenge here for you?”

This question helps identify the core issue that needs to be addressed, providing clarity and direction.

The Foundation question: “What do you want?”

By asking this, leaders can help colleagues articulate their desired outcomes and goals.

The Lazy question: “How can I help?”

This question empowers the person to specify the support they need, fostering ownership and collaboration.

The Strategic question: “If you’re saying ‘yes’ to this, what are you saying ‘no’ to?”

Encouraging consideration of trade-offs, this question helps in making more deliberate and thoughtful decisions.

The Learning question: “What was most useful or valuable for you?”

This reflective question helps consolidate learning and insights from the conversation.

Building a coaching culture in an organisation takes commitment and consistency from leaders at all levels. It’s about leading by example, incorporating coaching principles into everyday interactions with your team. Show genuine interest in their development and well-being, and you’ll inspire trust and confidence, creating an environment where continuous learning and improvement thrive.

Of course, integrating coaching into your leadership style can come with challenges, like time constraints and resistance to change. However, the benefits far outweigh these obstacles. By adopting a coaching mindset and investing in your development as a leader, you can enhance your effectiveness, empower your team, and drive sustainable performance and growth within your organisation.

Embracing a coaching approach isn’t just about adopting a new style -it’s about embracing a philosophy that prioritises people development, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This approach helps unlock your team’s full potential, inspires excellence, and creates a lasting impact on your organisation.

🌟Ready to elevate your leadership and drive team success? Discover the impact of executive coaching tailored for senior leaders. Schedule a consultation today to explore how our coaching services can transform your leadership approach, boost employee engagement, and create lasting organisational growth.

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