In nature, we see everywhere how teams function successfully: Ants show us how division of labour works perfectly, fish teach us intelligent shoaling behaviour, starlings form flight formations to protect themselves from airborne attackers, wolves organize themselves into packs. We humans also need each other. We belong to families, create networks in our private and professional lives and usually work in teams. Nature teaches us how to build and maintain successful teams.
The boss as coach
Posted on Wed December 7, 2022.
Coaching is a way of life.
It ensures robust and meaningful relationships, positive emotions and a vibrant social environment. These form the foundation of every success and happiness in life - Both personal and professional.
As the world become more volatile, complex and unsure organisations can now only survive when responsibility and creative solution finding is shared between all members of the organisation. The role of the boss was forced to be transformed in the last decennia into someone who is firstly caring and kind. Leaders are now expected to be an example for others, an empathetic motivator, an innovator and lastly a coach.
So, what exactly can leaders take from coaching? I believe that it is firstly active listening and qualitative questioning that coaches practice.
Who can listen better knows more. Many bosses lean still towards a chronic "know it better" attitude. Before they allow their team-members to speak out many leaders have already judged, decided and communicated their way forward. Research has shown that teams are much more likely to reach their goals when active listening is being practiced within the team.
Who questions, leads. Every leader knows this. What makes the real difference here is what type of questions are asked by the boss. Qualitative and open W-questions (when, what, where, whom, how,....etc) provide a multitude of information compared to closed (yes or no) questions. Who is informed better, understands better and makes better decisions.
Leaders can learn to step into active listening and asking qualitative open questions which changes the team-dynamics completely and creates space for others to take responsibility, shine and grow.
What do you believe can leaders learn and apply from "the coaching way of life" in order to lead more successfully?
Further Reading
Expanding team strengths
Fri March 15, 2024
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Your intuition-muscle
Tue February 13, 2024
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Coach Me - these short articles are designed to help you develop a great and supportive inner attitude for yourself. An inner attitude that is more coherent with your outer appearance and with which you can make progress in both your business and private life. The approaches I choose come from my "best practices" in the team coaching and private coaching sessions I have conducted over many years. Today we are looking...
Always do what you are afraid to do.
Wed January 31, 2024
Read This Article
Coach Me - these short articles are designed to help you develop a supportive inner attitude for yourself. An inner attitude that is more coherent with your outer presentation and with which you can make moreprogress in both your business- and private life’s goals. The approaches I choose come from my "best practices" in the team coaching and private coaching sessions I have conducted over many years. Today we are looking at...
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