Leadership Coaching: The What | The Who | The How
Are you a high achiever feeling (almost) burned out? Do you lead with your full potential? Do you want to get your team to perform better? Do you need to delegate more so that you can work on more exciting projects?
What is Leadership Coaching?
Leadership Coaching is empowering and developing Executives, Directors, Leaders and Managers to achieve their desired goals. It is an imperative part of leadership development. It involves mutual trust and partnership between the Coach and Client in a confidential setting.
Any form of coaching, Leadership coaching in particular, is most effective if and when the Client is willing to make changes, has an open mind and is ready to take action. The results are a direct reflection of the amount of work put in by both the Client and Coach, but primarily by the Client. I believe that 70% of the work is done by the Client. 30% of the work is done by the Coach which entails tailored coaching sessions for each individual client using professional models, tools and assessments. As the Leadership Coach, my objective is to help clients see beyond what they see, challenge their status quo and unlock their true potential.
Who is it for?
Leadership Coaching is for individuals as well as for organisations. Individuals such as executives, directors, leaders and managers seek Leadership coaching to enhance their leadership skills and to solve specific issues. Organisations seek Leadership coaching for their leadership team or for specific managers who need additional support to enhance their performance or relationships at work.. Coaching can be on a one-to-one basis or in group settings or a combination of both.
How does it work?
Leadership Coaching can be in the form of One-on-one Coaching or Group Coaching.
One-on-one Coaching brings the most profound results. This is because the client is given full individual attention to focus on his/ her goals. The number of sessions are determined by the client’s needs and recommendation of the coach. They can range from 1 to 6 sessions and are usually spread out over a number of weeks and months.
My process begins with an initial consultation whereby I assess my client’s situation, needs and the desired goals. If mutual agreement is reached to work together, the desired method of meetings (face-to-face/ video/ phone) and the anticipated number of meetings is established. Contracts are agreed and signed. Partial or full payment is made in advance depending on the number of sessions that will take place.
The first coaching session is to thoroughly examine the situation and set goals. The remaining sessions involve going on a journey of exploring, embracing and enjoying the learning from the sessions. It is common to use various assessments and tools during, in-between and/ or after the sessions. Values, strengths, emotional intelligence, triggers, boundaries and high-low are some of the instruments that I use in my practice. Reflection and feedback exercises are completed after each session. These solidify the learning from each session.
Group Coaching incorporates elements of One-on-one Coaching but is held in a group setting.
It is for Executives, Directors, Leaders and Managers from different industries and backgrounds who enjoy learning in group settings. This programme develops leadership skills. Different leadership topics are covered using assessments, tools, feedback and role-plays.
Benefits to the individual and organisations
· Develops high potential
· Transforms leadership style
· Increase confidence and motivation
· Enhances emotional intelligence
· Elevates leadership
· Enhances relationships at work
· Expresses executive presence
· Addresses derailing behaviour
· Facilitates transition
· Builds resilience
· Acts as a sounding board
What to look out for when choosing an Leadership Coach
· Qualifications: it is important that the coach has the formal qualification as an accredited coach. Organisations such as the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) and ICF (International Coaching Federation) are the leading accreditation bodies for professional coaches. Having these accreditations means that the coach has undergone extensive theoretical and practical coaching. Coaches can have additional academics that leverage their expertise in the area of coaching. For example, my work is all about leadership development. I have worked in industry as a Senior HR Professional for over 15 years with a strong focus on leadership development and coaching. My academics include an Advanced Diploma in Executive and Leadership Coaching as well as an Honours Degree in HR, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration as well as Computer Sciences. Having a combination of these makes me an expert in my area of coaching, namely Leadership Coaching. This is not to say that a coach without the formal qualifications can not be beneficial.
· Trust and chemistry: like with any relationship in life, a good relationship is formed on the basis of trust and chemistry. Generally speaking, these can be gauged at the initial consultation stage before agreeing to sign up for coaching sessions.
· Work and industry background: ideally the coach should have working experience of the industry that their clients work in. In addition to what I mention above, the industries that I have worked in are logistics, manufacturing and education. Having the tangible experience in the particular industry makes it easier for both sides to understand each other. This is not to say that a coach who has experience outside of the industry would not be suitable.
· Budget and cost: needless to say that the price, number of anticipated sessions and duration of each session should align with your budget. Generally speaking, the price of the coaching reflects the quality of service that will be provided by the coach.
In summary, Leadership Coaching is leadership development. If you are ready to make changes in your professional life, ready to take action and have an open mind, then you are ready for Leadership Coaching! Book a complimentary call to find out more.
What are you waiting for? You are ready!
Article by Rabia Mirza | November 2021
