How a ‘Coach Approach” to Leadership Helps Employees Succeed

The “coach approach” between team leaders and employees is more necessary now than ever before. The traditional commanding or controlling posts previously taken on in the past by leaders are no longer effective in the modern workplace.

Rather, ongoing support, training, and freedom of creativity are essential to retaining employees, and being a competitive business. Employees want to feel respected, sought after, and realize that their hard work is appreciated and necessary.

What is the “Coach Approach”

In the workplace, the “coach approach”, or coaching, focuses on the development and improvement of both employees and leader’s professional skills, as well as overall professional growth and career development. This collaborative process involves team leaders and employees, who regularly discuss and identify their goals, milestones, and desired outcomes.

How Effective Coaching Helps Everyone

As a team leader, you strive to create a team that works harmoniously, efficiently, and who truly enjoy the work they do. A team who are passionate about their work and are treated well often perform more productively, and generate better results. Effective coaching can help you develop this team by promoting creativity, teamwork, communication, collaborations, and resilient problem solving skills.

By equipping your team with the expertise and tools necessary to succeed, you’re allowing them to reach their full potential as an employee of your organization, increasing morale and overall wellbeing.

Coaching Strategies for a Thriving Team

Develop a Plan: Having clear vision of coaching methods, such as a focus on long-term professional development coaching versus short-term coaching sessions allows team leaders to strategically develop and carry out their in-office coaching and mentorship. In addition, personalize these coaching plans for each individual employee by discussing their desired goals and outcomes, while developing ideas on how to best increase their professional skillset.

Help Your Employees Grow: Learn what tasks and activities your employees enjoy doing, and why. By doing so, you’re opening the gate to increased productivity by allowing employees more creative freedom doing jobs that they truly enjoy. Put your trust in your employees stated abilities, and watch them flourish in their roles.

Personalize Communication Methods: Effective coaches realize how to change their method and tone of communication based upon the individual their coaching at any given time. People’s preferred tones of communication differ greatly, and this is no different in the workplace. If a more introverted employee tends to be inactive during group coaching sessions, try sitting down with them one-on-one to build a trusting relationship and open floor of communication.

Acknowledge Victories: When members of your team reach their intended goals or important milestones, take the time to celebrate and acknowledge their success. These celebrations act as motivators, but more importantly, confirm their worth as a vital and appreciated part of your team.

Taking the “coach approach” in a professional leadership role allows you to both gain and give knowledge that benefits everyone involved – including yourself. From boosting workplace morale and retaining core employees, to creating meaningful professional relationships and boosting productivity, implementing an effective coaching plan can help you and your team succeed.