Leaders invariably work at a pace across a wide range of issues, often needing to respond strategically to the progression of work that others are implementing. Coaching provides an important service which reduces the likelihood of leaders being tempted down minor side roads. The temptation to get drawn into operational management constantly looms. Blind spots, assumptions and limiting beliefs also threaten the leader’s ability to make objective and accurate decisions and judgements. An error of judgement at leadership level has consequences that are far reaching as it filters down and down through the layers of the organisation.
Having a clear sense of the importance of strategic thinking is essential. However, being able to carve out the time and space to engage in that strategic thinking is not always easy. Coaching provides such a space.
Leaders can carry weighty responsibility. Reminding themselves of what is within their control, and what is not, is essential to target energy and attention where it can be most impactful. This is also important in ensuring delegation is hitting the mark. Developing and empowering others can only happen when the leader lets go. Equally, the inability to share responsibility can bring about burnout as the leader becomes overwhelmed.
The middle leader especially will feel themselves being pulled in a multitude of directions. Plans get interrupted, the landscape shifts unexpectedly, very little can seem certain. This is a challenging and unsettling environment in which to be at the helm. Coaching’s positive yet productive intent provides a mixture of steadying the ship and preparing for action. It offers structure and a pragmatic approach to working through the most important problems in order to find practical solutions. Coaching interrogates priorities and reality. It creates an essential opportunity for all leaders to step back, evaluate and assess what needs to change. This might be changes within the organisation, or changes to their own practice. Regular coaching, therefore, brings about important adjustments, necessary to keep the focus of the leader, and therefore the team, on course over the long term.
Coaching inspires specific action and creates momentum in a way that mentoring and training do not. With the emphasis on the coachee to be the expert and find their own solutions, confidence levels and the desire to take action without delay are significantly heightened. It is this that enables coaching to bring about meaningful and impactful results quickly.
Skills and Behaviour Developed Through Coaching:
- Engaging in deep value-driven thinking
- Being self-aware and acting on reflection
- Modelling emotional intelligence
- Maintaining humility, focus and professional will
- Strategic planning
- Enabling innovation and creativity
- Gaining trust
- Achieving informed and confident decision making
- Networking and horizon scanning with energy
A professional coach can take you deep down into your leadership potential. Make It So Coaching provides the support and challenge needed to uncover what is most important to you as a leader and where to expend your energy and resources. Why not invest in coaching as a fast-track to becoming the best leader you can be?
