What is Leadership Coaching?

Leadership coaching is a collaborative relationship between a leader and a professional coach. A leader being a C-suite executive, head of department, manager, or a business owner, leading a team of people.

In times when organisations face increased pressure both internally and externally, leadership coaching can be an ideal solution. Coaching helps to align the organisation’s goals with the professional and personal aspirations of its team members. Employees no longer stay with an organisation for the entirety of their career and so to retain talent, coaching is a great way of working with people so they become more competent and fulfilled in what they do, so they can contribute positively to the organisation they work for and find meaning in what they do.

“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” – Brian Tracy

What challenges are leaders facing today?

One of the biggest challenges facing leaders today is complexity and uncertainty across the work environment. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, and the way we will need to work in the future; leaders are no longer able to rely on past decisions and need to make instinctive choices in the moment. The key is to seek multiple perspectives, listen to those around you regardless of hierarchy, and then make an informed decision. It’s imperative to become highly adaptive and flexible, and to be agile and able to pivot at a moment’s notice. Maintaining morale should also stay at the top of any leader’s agenda. Priority should be given to keeping employees positive, motivated, and focused. Leaders need to be a source of inspiration during continued times of ambiguity to drive forward positive, transformative change.

How can leadership coaching make an impact?

If leaders are unaware of their behaviour, or more specifically, their ‘blind spots’, leadership coaching provides a safe space to unearth these blind spots and develop real behavioural change to the benefit of both the individual and the organisation. Leadership coaching has the benefit of improving executive influence and performance; better interpersonal skills and relationships; increased flexibility in managing change environments; and identifying solutions to specific work-based challenges.

How to use leadership coaching for career development

Many leaders may currently be at a cross-roads in terms of what they want to do next or whether their current role is right for them. Equally, they might know what they want to do but need help in identifying the appropriate tools/mindset in which to get there.

At Distinctions Executive Coaching, as part of our leadership coaching offering which includes Executive Coaching and Team Coaching, we also offer tailored Career Coaching to help identify both strengths and development areas – and ultimately help the leader get to where they want to be.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Joanna at Joanna@distinctionscoaching.com