Without good leadership, employees will more likely to struggle when it comes to achieving organisational objectives. However; if employees know what is expected of them, what their goals are and how they can contribute; their loyalty is much more likely to be forthcoming. This will also have the knock-on effect of creating better customer relationships which increases the chances of beating the competition and increasing profits.
Being able to coach your employees capably helps you to support them and to become more effective for your team. At the same time, this will benefit the organisation as a whole.
Coaching Skills for Leaders
The improvement in team dynamics will ensure that the effort taken to hone your coaching skills is worthwhile. One to one communication is much better for an employee. This enables them to understand how they are tracking against shared goals.
Leadership by example is very important. You will be respected more through your hard work than through creating a culture of fear. Make sure that stress within the team is at a level which builds confidence and skills development. Delegation is also a great way to create a developmental and growth culture within the team.
When it comes to mistakes, try to avoid taking an attitude of punishment. Initial failure can lead to eventual success. Therefore, coaching someone to understand their error is a better way forward. When things go wrong, good leadership will help a team to learn from it and to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
It is important as a leader that you generate positivity throughout the organisation. Allow time to celebrate what is going well. This will provide space for further growth. Be sure to honour achievements both individually and collectively.
An effective leader also manages themselves well in pressurised situations. The ability to be self-aware is extremely useful when leading a group. Try not to be ‘too hot’ and overreact but also avoid being ‘too cool’ so that others fail to understand the importance of a situation.
Active Listening and Compassion
A key skill when coaching employees is active listening. This will lead to closer relationships and greater results. Supportive, active listening benefits a team as they will feel trusted and understood. These are a few ways to cultivate this important coaching skill:
- Maintain eye contact, and your full focus on the other person
- Mirror the body language of the other person
- Create an open posture
- Talk less, question more
- Listen for understanding, before you speak to be understood
- Use considered speech
- Positively reinforce the other person
- Remember what has been said
- Paraphrase, clarify, and reflect back what has been said
- Provide feedback if given permission
Finally, compassion is another coaching skill that is definitely valuable. A leader who sees employees as human beings, whilst still expecting commitment and effort, will have a better connected team. This involves demonstrating an interest in individual needs and circumstances.
If you feel that you could benefit from developing your coaching skills with an experienced Business Coach, please contact me for an introductory chat about how I can help you to achieve your goals.