How to Harness the Power of Being a Great Coach
The definition of ‘a coach’ or ‘a leader’ is never the same for everyone. Why? Because we see their roles in our everyday lives differently. For some, a coach might mean someone who trains a team of people in a particular sport. Others see coaches or leaders as the one person who can help them unlock their true potential or as a support person on their journey to achieve their goals. Many people see coaches as someone who will fix them and their weaknesses.
A leader can wear so many different hats when it comes to supporting you. According to the below graph, a coach can be a mixture of a crusader, challenger, advisor, supporter, guide, confidante, teacher and cheerleader. For many people it’s great to have a coach to look up to. Coaches can support you every step of the way to make a change, learn something new or achieve your goals.
In today’s world, we are seeing more managers and leaders taking on the role of coach in the workplace according to this great article by Harvard Business Review. Coaching employees and colleagues has become a great way for leaders to boost their confidence, take an interest in their career, encourage a positive work environment and motivate them to develop their skills. Holding formal coaching sessions can also be a great way to encourage team members to ask questions or practice their skills.
Coaches don’t just have to be your boss; they can be a manager, a leader, a colleague, a family member or a friend. So, if you’re looking to make some changes in your professional life or just want to break an unhealthy habit, sometimes looking to a coach or a leader to guide you through the process or even be there for moral support can be hugely beneficial.
So, how can you be a good coach in the workplace and or just in everyday life?
1. Listen
It can sometimes be hard for people to seek out advice or guidance in their lives, whether they are looking to develop their skills at work or improve themselves. It takes a lot of guts and courage to admit that you need help or a sense of direction, so reward them for taking the first step by listening to them. And I mean really listen. Sit down with them over a coffee and take in what they have to say because their voice DOES matter.
2. Be approachable
I believe that having an open-door policy is essential for any coach or leader. Because if you don’t show people you are approachable and stay shut in your office, will people come to you with questions or when they need support? No, they won’t. Let them know you have an open-door policy and always be welcoming and polite when they come to you for support.
3. Be compassionate
The truth is, we don’t know what other people are going through in their personal and professional lives. That’s why you should always treat people with empathy, kindness and compassion – the world would be a better place if we had more of these traits. Be understanding of your team members circumstances, think about how you would be feeling if you were in their shoes. Would you feel the same way? Even if they make mistakes at work, guide them and be kind to them.
A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.
John Wooden
4. Know their strengths
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Some people may be better at public speaking than others, some people may be better when it comes to dealing with customers. The trick is to play to your strengths, and work on your weaknesses along the way. If you know the strengths of your team members, you will be able to help advise them on ways they can improve when it comes to their weaknesses.
5. Encouragement
Release your inner cheerleader and encourage those who seek you out for guidance and advice. It takes bravery to admit you need help, so by encouraging your team members when they do great work or even thanking them for their hard work, you are encouraging them and boosting their confidence. Encouragement from leaders and coaches also makes for a more positive workplace environment.
Need a great coach – contact us today at hello@leadershiphq.com.au
By Sonia McDonald – CEO of LeadershipHQ And McDonald Inc. Leadership Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, CEO And Award Winning Author.
Sonia McDonald is changing the face of leadership across the globe. She believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, and is known for her mantra ‘Just Lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her transformational coaching, leadership training programs and cultural transformation for organisations and encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped thousands of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.
Sonia is a founder and CEO of McDonald Inc., LeadershipHQ and Global Outstanding Leadership Awards and 2022 Courage Conference. For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of leadership and she is beyond committed to her mission around building a world of great leaders.
She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader. She has been recognised by Richtopia as One of the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs.
Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is a leading coach, an award-winning published author of newly released First Comes Courage, Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! and has become an in-demand keynote speaker on leadership, kindness and courage.
Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, kindness, empathy and courage as well as building outstanding leadership across the Globe.
