The Coach Approach to Next Gen Leadership

The following is a guest contribution written by leadership coach Dr. Bethany Peters:

Recent research shows us that coaching in the workplace has significant benefits: employees who are coached can experience increased productivity, enhanced clarity, a boost in confidence, and improved communication skills, among other benefits. 
​
But what is coaching, exactly? Sir John Whitmore, a leading contributor to the coaching profession, defined it as a process of “unlocking people’s potential to maximize their own performance.” Coaching is distinctly different from other professions such as mentoring, consulting, and therapy. Although all of these are valuable sources of support, coaching employs a more facilitative approach to:

• discern underlying values and beliefs
• empower creative solutions to problems
• motivate future-focused action

When a professional coach is hired, coaching typically occurs through a formal structure with one-on-one sessions intended to support the client’s growth and goal attainment. Taking a coach approach, however, is an informal process of applying coaching skills to facilitate learning and growth for others. For example, a manager who takes a coach approach is looking for meaningful ways to integrate coaching techniques into daily interactions and conversations.

What value does a coach approach have for supporting the next generation? More than ever, an engaging relationship with a manager is vitally important to retaining young adults. When a manager takes an intentional, personalized approach to promote growth and development in the workplace, that style of leadership is much more likely to generate loyalty and commitment from members of Generation Y and Z. The coach approach appeals to young adults with its focus on:

• individualized attention
• exploration of purpose
• collaborative partnership

What skills are needed to use a coach approach? Even if you are not a trained coach, with extra intentionality and practice, you can apply coaching skills in your role to strategically support the growth and development of others. However, if it is not your default style, using coaching skills takes practice. Most of us are accustomed to share our advice and opinions readily, so reframing our role as a coach requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to a different rhythm in our conversations.

A coach approach is grounded in trust-filled relationships and characterized by a commitment to:

1. Listen actively to understand motivations, values, and beliefs
2. Ask open-ended questions to encourage new insights
3. Empower others to find creative solutions to challenges
4. Share observations and feedback that support growth

There is no one-size-fits-all formula to applying a coach approach. Figuring out the best balance for a specific role or context is a process that requires discernment and careful consideration.

If you are interested in leveling up your coaching skills, and learning how to take a coach approach in your specific setting, consider doing it with a group of other leaders and influencers… Six Weeks to a Coach Approach is an interactive, group coaching program launching this September, facilitated by leadership coach Dr. Bethany Peters.

Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/theleadershipcoachinglab/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-d-peters/ 

---