As a platform for leadership development, we believe that everyone can benefit from receiving coaching. This article aims to introduce a new style of leadership called coaching.
What is Coaching Leadership?
Coaching is a type of leadership that focuses on developing and leading teams through collaboration and guidance. Unlike traditional leadership styles, this type of leadership focuses on guiding and encouraging individuals.
Differences Between a Coaching Leader and a Manager
Although many managers can become effective coaching leaders, it’s still a skill that needs to be learned. This type of leadership is different from traditional management styles, which typically involve directing and managing employees.
Due to the increasing number of people working in today’s society, traditional management styles are not ideal for the 21st century. Instead, coaching leadership focuses on developing individuals and improving their skills. Because of this, many companies are now investing in training leaders to be effective coaches.
Pros of Coaching Leadership
The advantages of coaching are that it encourages collaboration and communication and provides an opportunity for individuals to grow. However, it can be very time-consuming and doesn’t always lead to the fastest results.
Key Competencies Coaching Leaders Need
- The Ability to Offer Effective Feedback
One of the most important skills that a coach should have is the ability to provide effective feedback. This is because, regardless of the type of feedback that’s delivered, it must be delivered in a clear and actionable manner. Having this skill can help you develop a culture of continuous feedback.
- The Ability to Promote Growth
Unlike traditional management styles, coaching leaders do not discipline their employees for short-term mistakes or failures. Instead, they focus on the long-term growth of their team members. As a coach, this means you need to adopt a growth mindset. This type of mindset encourages people to think critically and not be afraid to make mistakes. It can help them feel supported and encouraged instead of judged.
- The Ability to Ask the Right Questions
The goal of coaching is to help individuals and teams become their best selves. To do this, coaching leaders need to develop a few key skills. One of these is the ability to ask good questions.
Understanding the various leadership styles you can adopt can help you identify which is right for you.