People, people, people. That's what it all comes down to, right? When it comes to leadership styles, a coaching leader puts their team first and foremost. They believe that when you invest in your people, the rest will fall into place. And you know what? It often does!
Think about it. What drives results? What makes things run smoothly (or not)? Where does creativity and innovation come from? That's right, people! Your team is your greatest asset.
Now, not every leader, team, or company is the best fit for a coaching style of leadership, but we'll dive into that later. First, let's learn more about it.
Definition of coaching leadership
Coaching leaders are all about helping their team reach new heights. While other leaders may focus on the vision, processes, or decision-making, coaching leaders concentrate on communication. Here's what makes them tick:
Regular check-ins:
It's not just about the one-on-ones, coaching leaders also host goal-setting and retrospective workshops to stay in the loop about their team's aspirations and ways to help them achieve them.
Creating a safe space:
For any team to be effective, a coaching leader will make sure there's a strong foundation of psychological safety in the workplace. This means creating a culture where people feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes without fear of punishment.
Holding themselves accountable:
Coaching leaders take accountability seriously, not just for themselves but for their team members too. Without accountability, the work environment can quickly become toxic. By taking accountability, coaching leaders foster open and honest communication and promote a sense of safety.
Continuous development:
A coaching leader is dedicated to developing their team, so they'll know their company's learning and development programs inside and out, and look for opportunities to help team members put their new skills into practice.
When is coaching leadership a good fit?
If you're leading a small team and you're not buried in operational tasks, coaching leadership can be a great approach. It works best when your team is passionate about their work and their own personal growth. But even if that's not the case, it's still important to figure out why and address those issues no matter what leadership style you prefer.
The Pros and Cons of Coaching Leadership
Pros: When it comes to coaching leadership, there's a lot to love. This style can boost morale, engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction. And when coaching leadership is done well, it can create a sense of psychological safety and improve communication within the team.
Cons: The downside is that it requires a lot of one-on-one attention for each team member, and it's only effective if everyone is putting in equal effort. So, it may take more time and energy to get everyone on board.
Is coaching leadership the right fit for you?
If you're all about dedicating your time to your team and believe that's the way to reach your team's goals, then coaching leadership is definitely worth considering!
In fact, being a coach to your team is a valuable skill for all leaders in certain situations. Even if it's not your go-to leadership style, having strong communication skills through regular one-on-one meetings and creating a psychologically safe work environment are crucial for keeping morale and productivity high.
Are you a leader looking for coaching? If so, we have exactly what you are looking for - set up a time for us to chat ASAP - here.
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your next strategic planning session, or for a speaker to motivate your team? We have great solutions. Again, if we can help, please let us know by email or set up a call here.