Leadership coaching is increasingly common, and the number of people assuming the role of “coach” is also climbing. And yet, despite the growth of the coaching industry, according to Stanford’s Center for Leadership Development and Research, nearly two-thirds of CEO’s do not receive outside leadership coaching or consulting. When coaching actually is pursued, it’s needed most in the areas of leadership/delegation, conflict management, team building, and mentoring.
Having a leadership coach can be a huge boost to your personal growth, leadership capacity, and organizational effectiveness. How? Shawn Lovejoy, CEO of Courage to Lead, once shared with me the two gifts that a coach gives to leaders.
- Perspective –Leaders often need coaching in the areas where they feel most overwhelmed. When you walk in the woods for an extended period of time, you no longer see the big picture. Your view is skewed and your ability to navigate your situation with clarity is often handicapped. A good coach helps you see with fresh eyes. They help you rise above the obstacles, problems, and barriers and gain the perspective you need to make better decisions. Coaches know the questions to ask to help you see what you haven’t seen before, so you can do what you haven’t done before.
- Permission –Sometimes the issue isn’t perspective as much as it is permission. In other words, sometimes we just need someone to tell us we’re making the right decision or pursuing the best course of action. It’s not that we’re waiting for a coach to literally give us permission to act; rather, a coach gives us a confidence boost. They help us believe in ourselves, believe in our ideas, and move boldly into the future.
I’ve received these two gifts over and over from coaches throughout the years. No matter what area you need coaching in, a good coach will always bring these gifts to bear. Perspective helps you see differently, and permission helps you act confidently. One gives you insight and the other helps you take action.
