Coach-Like Leadership
The fastest way to becoming a better leader is to embrace being more ‘coach-like’. It’s redirecting your energy from pushing your agenda and providing answers and advice to developing those around you. More specifically, it’s the goal of creating more leaders around you!
In order to reach big goals, you need the best people around you. You need team members who can learn to solve problems without your involvement. You need independent thinkers. The best way to do this is to shift into ‘coach’ mode with your people as often as you can.
Would you like some shortcuts? MBS (Michael Bungay Stanier) wrote a great book on this topic called The Coaching Habit. In it, he shares seven go-to-questions that every coach-like leader should consider when others come to them for advice and answers. The questions are helpful. But more importantly, his little book will challenge you to shift your mindset in your role as a leader.
I recently discovered a few excellent videos online where Michael is being interviewed by Marshall Goldsmith as they explore some of these concepts. In each brief 2-4 minute video, you can pick up real-world practical advice that you can put to use today!
1. BE MORE COACH-LIKE WHEN MENTORING DIRECT REPORTS (4:19) Video Link
2. THE FOCUS QUESTION WHEN HELPING OTHERS SOLVE PROBLEMS WITHOUT DOING IT FOR THEM (3:35) Video Link
3. THE KICKSTART QUESTION FOR A GOOD OPEN COACHING DIALOGUE (2:37) Video Link
If you are interested in the book, you can find it here. Lastly, if you’d like some help or support in your efforts to become more coach-like as an executive leader, let’s connect.
