Working life and work-related responsibilities today require more employees to make sense of their work content, make independent decisions, and find solutions to problems that arise. The role of the manager has also evolved in this regard, shifting from controlling and guiding to supporting the employee’s independence and professional development. Essential managerial competencies increasingly include a coaching style of management, which is distinct from professional coaching.
What is Coaching?
Professional coaching is a process where, in cooperation with a trained coach, the coaching participant works to achieve personal or organizational goals.
What is a Coaching Leadership Style?
A coaching leadership style prioritizes the application of an individual’s work-related skills and strengths, encouraging cooperation and linking individual contributions to the organization’s goals.
How Does Coaching Leadership Differ from Other Leadership Styles?
-Focus on Long-Term Growth: The coaching leadership style emphasizes long-term personal career goals. Leaders who coach their teams discuss not only short-term career objectives but also broader future aspirations, even if they extend beyond the current organization.
-Orientation to Personal Development: Coaches talk to their team members about their direct responsibilities and areas for self-improvement. This might include learning new things, not necessarily related to their current position but more towards horizontal growth and exploring other fields.
-Real-Time Feedback: Instead of annual reviews or quarterly catch-ups, coaches provide real-time, weekly, or even daily feedback. This allows employees to understand immediately what was done well and where mistakes were made, facilitating faster growth.
-Supportive and Open to Discussion: Coaches are supportive and open-hearted towards their employees. They act as cheerleaders, showing support in both good and bad times, encouraging risk-taking, self-belief, and pride in achievements.
Therefore, while a manager does not have to be the coach of every employee, incorporating coaching management style techniques into their approach can be beneficial when used appropriately.