When we want to focus on becoming a better leader there are bosses, colleagues, family and perhaps a mentor we can approach and numerous books and articles we can read.  They can provide suggestions on career moves, share their experience on how to deal with situations that arise and someone to celebrate with or vent to!  So what are the reasons for having a leadership coach?

Self-awareness

Coaching can give individuals time to understand their strengths, values and behaviours in a structured way. They can help explore how these show up at their work and in relationships with colleagues. It provides the space to compare them with those of the organisation, the leader’s role within it and the actions required. This greater sense of awareness is a catalyst for personal growth.

Feedback

In my experience the nearer the top of the organisation you are, the less people give you feedback. Direct reports often prefer to tell others rather than the leader about the behaviours they observe and bosses don’t always see working methods or daily interactions. A long-term relationship with a coach, based on trust and honesty, means coaches can help leaders see their blind-spots. They can often provide a 360^o assessment so there is a greater understanding of how those that work with leaders view them.  These rich insights can provide a focus for coaching and development.

More than behavioural change

Leadership coaching is an intervention that can support change in behaviour, skills sets and performance over a a period of time.  When engaging with clients on leadership behaviours, a coach can explore how they present themselves now and work towards what leaders want it to be in a confidential and non judgemental space.  Depending on the coach, some may coach to an agreed outcome, for example greater confidence or a completed development plan.  They may help clients come away with clear actions that are right for the coachee and their current situation without the organisational agendas or friendship becoming a factor.

I help leaders understand how they can become better leaders, to not only be effective at delivering on their goals but how to do so efficiently.  And, as a Certified Breakthrough Coach, I also offer clients the opportunity to explore how to move forward with greater courage and help them to break through the barriers that may be holding them back from becoming the leader they want to be.

Gain perspective

Leaders are facing more complex challenges and are need to take responsibility for their decisions. These decisions will need to be made faster and may have greater risk than ever before.  Regular time with a coach can provide a safe place to gain perspective.  Being able to speak aloud the choices, difficult conversations, challenges and hopes that are occupying their thoughts is incredibly valuable in moving forward.

No judgement and a Confidential space

A concern with talking to someone within an organisation is often that the conversation is not confidential. People fear they will be judged if they are honest about their concerns, feelings or how their personal goals align with that of the business. Qualified coaches will not divulge any details of the conversation unless legally required to do so, even if we are commissioned by the organisation. We listen without judgement and provide a safe space to have open and honest conversations.  Discuss this with your coach if you have any concerns.

Want to learn more about coaching and how it can benefit you or your organisation?  Call me for a no obligation chat.

Updated 1st February 2022