Despite the numerous benefits of coaching, few executives understand the nature of the relationship. Coaching is not necessarily based on more information. As a leader, the leveling up never ends. At every level, there will be new challenges and fears. You cannot solve the problems with the same thinking that created them. So how does coaching actually help leaders?
Limited Thinking
Coaches help leaders become more aware of negative automatic thoughts. Often referred to as an “all or nothing” mindset, they see everything as either “good” or ‘bad.” Consequently, they may experience a high-pressure situation without recognizing it and responding appropriately. Rather than reprimanding employees for short-term mistakes, coaches focus on long-term success. Coaching leaders are required to embrace a growth mindset, which emphasizes that skills and intelligence are not fixed, but can be cultivated. Leaders who embrace this mindset encourage their employees to think creatively and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Executives
Today, successful executives need to supplement their industry knowledge with general learning capabilities and invest in developing these capacities in their direct reports. They no longer have the answers, and their ability to direct the behavior of others is a prerequisite for success. This requires managers to reinvent themselves as coaches, drawing energy, creativity, and learning from their direct reports. And this is only the beginning. It’s not enough to train your direct reports to be leaders – you have to help them develop and grow.
One of the most common mistakes managers and professionals make when it comes to coaching is thinking that it’s simply another trend in leadership development. HR must help managers and executives understand the benefits of coaching for themselves and team members. And while coaching can help individuals develop, it’s important to remember that it takes time. It’s playing the infinite game as Simon Sinek would say.
What does coaching look like for leaders?
A coach helps leaders see themselves more clearly and develop more productive relationships. Coaches help people discover their own strengths and weaknesses and learn from their shortcomings. You cannot see your own blind spots! This learning is a lifelong process that will benefit a person’s career throughout their life. In addition to helping leaders grow and develop, coaching can also help develop front-line leadership and fill succession pipelines. If you’re a leader and want to improve the effectiveness of your team and your company, coaching is for you.
Effective coaching requires two-way dialogue. It’s essential to be clear about your goals and work toward them. A coach should listen and guide the leader while helping them think through challenges and solutions. The content of the sessions is guided by the coachee and may vary from session to session. This is important to note, it’s not a training program that’s all planned out for the period of the coaching agreement.
Conclusion
Information and knowledge are great but it only gets leaders to a certain point. If it was only information that is required everyone could just read a few books and be great leaders, we all know it does not work like that. To be a great leader you have to BE a great leader. That comes from an internal place and that requires DEEP coaching. It requires a coach that is not going to try please you but serve you powerfully.
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