Sustainable change – we hear this term used a lot but what do we really mean and why is this so important in the world of coaching?
I’ve talked a lot about how the type of work we do, and the way work gets done is changing rapidly. The new work environment requires a way to lead that will produce positive and sustainable results; a leadership approach that is continuously adaptable to internal and external change. Taking a coach approach to leadership is doing all of that and more. It is helping individuals and organizations not only adapt to change but thrive.
Why does the coach approach work so well in today’s environment? The coach approach to leadership is a holistic method that can easily be adapted while at the same time producing desired and sustainable changes. The coach approach to leadership is not a set formula but a flexible and adaptable tool that evolves with the coach, coachee and environment so that the approach and outcomes are never outdated. This new coach approach to leadership can be integrated throughout the organization and sustained for long-lasting positive change.
But, will coaching and the coach approach to leadership remain viable as we move into the next decade? To find the answer, I think one needs to look no further than the trends taking place in leadership.
As leaders and coaches, we must pay attention to trends and predictions to stay relevant. So, let’s start by checking in with some of the leadership authorities and their predictions for leadership of the future. As you read through the list, take notice of the words I’ve highlighted in red. These are their words, not mine, but I couldn’t help noticing what these tell us about how well coaching fits into leadership of the future.
Leadership Trends
Below are what some of the experts are seeing as trends in leadership.[1] Do you see the same trends? Do you see how well coaching fits with leadership of the future?
- Leaders and their organizations are becoming agiler. As leaders, it's important to adopt a nimble mindset and culture.
- Age range in the workforce will continue to expand. With the decrease of age-based seniority, leadership will be taken by the best person for the role and will likely shift frequently in an agile environment.
- Leaders need to identify and build talent at an increasing rate.
- Employee engagement will continue to be important in volatile times. Leaders and organizations need to focus on soft skills such as emotional intelligence that have a strong impact on engagement and the effort employees put into communicating.
- Investing in Human Capital Development. Helping employees thrive in all areas of their lives (not just work), will create more engagement, productivity and overall happier employees.
- Leadership Empathy. Gen Y and Gen Z talent will continue to leave command-and-control cultures for collaborative workplaces. The ability to understand, relate to and be sensitive to employees, colleagues and communities will be paramount. We will see an even greater emphasis on listening, relating and coaching to drive effective leadership.
- Focusing on Individual Growth.
- Having an Objective Outsider. Many companies are great at in-house training and coaching, and there is great value in working in the same environment as your coach or mentor. However, it's oftentimes difficult to be objective when you are seeing the same people every day. Your perception gets clouded and it becomes hard to be impartial around team challenges or feedback. Having an independent outsider helps all gain clarity.
- Promoting Continuous Education. As the business landscape persistently grows in competitive intensity, every organizational member must be smarter. Therefore, continuous learning will be at the forefront of management's agenda to gain and sustain a competitive advantage.
Hopefully you’ve come to the same conclusion that I did – coaching and the coach approach to leadership is well positioned to help organizations and individuals thrive well into the next decade.
In our next FREE webinar we will be discussing this very important topic and supporting you in understanding what is required to take a coach approach to leadership for sustainable change. If you are interested in supporting long-lasting positive change through coaching, be sure to join us.
