What are the most effective leadership styles for coaching in the workplace?

I think, in the workplace, I think there are multiple (often conflicting) relationships at play. I think that coaching approach needs to adapt to account for these relationships. Using situational leadership a leader is better able to adapt and meet the conflicting tensions associated with leading. Using coaching will bolster and improve this ability only if the coaching style will shift to meet the need.

Believing that each person is resourceful and whole is key! I see many coachees trying to be someone else or fit in a specific model, not necessarily aligned with their own values and personalities. Guiding coachees to leverage what they already have in them, their own values and principles, and building on their own strengths while being curious and open to growth certainly makes a difference in helping them become transformational leaders.

Servant leadership is a redundant term. If you're truly leading, you are serving, by default. Directing or managing is not necessarily leadership in its truest form.

The Coaching Leadership approach can be an effective style of coaching in the workplace when trust has been established and is mutual. The process of questioning is most powerful when permission has been asked of and granted by the coachee. Without permission, deep questioning can come across as interrogative and even accusatory. Getting this right is crucial as the way this is done deepens or erodes connection. Listening is where the gold is. When leaders skillfully listen with presence, curiosity, and a desire to learn, the coachee will reveal their self-knowledge about the ways they need to stretch and grow. Then, real collaboration can happen as the leader works with the coachee to deliver the highest value to the organization.

A coaching leadership style can be summed up in 3 different ways. 1. Leading with questions instead of answers BECAUSE… 2. The leader believes the answers are in “the group” and not outside of it. TRUSTING… 3. That the group has what it takes to execute on the answers it provides in meaningful ways. This approach is transformational because of the empowering and equipping nature of the coaching mindset. #ToluCoaches

Coaching is absolutely about empowering the individual wherever they are on their leadership journey. And that's the key - its an individual journey for the coachee. Everyone brings their own experience, opinions, expertise and perspective. As a coach I've always advocated that the coachee has the answers, my role is be a curious listener. I want my clients to really explore and understand what's important to them and why. From that place they can make decisions and take action for their future. It's a conversation like no other and when your client brings their whole selves openly and honestly, and you fully see and hear them it can be a mutually enriching experience.

In my experience, key characteristics of a person who adopts a coaching leadership style include: 1. Compassion 2. High Self awareness 3. Active listening 4. Collaboration 5. Empowerment 6. Clear expectations and communication The coaching leadership style is a leadership approach that focuses on developing employees and teams. Leaders who adopt this style prioritize professional development, goal-focused, future-minded, feedback, mentorship, development skills, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and support and encouragement . It’s important to note that the coaching leadership style is most effective when employees are motivated to learn and grow.

In the quickly changing climate of organizational leadership, I've found sticking to just one approach in coaching is too limiting. In fact, in recent times a particular approach has been far less important than my ability to create space for the leader to reflect. Too often, they have so many demands on their time that cannot find time to take a step back, reflect, and make a better decision after hearing themselves process out loud. My main goal is to find the specific way for each individual coachee so they get that space.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to any style of leadership. The best leadership style depends on the situation and the team being led. Each of these styles has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The best approach depends on the situation at hand, the needs of the team, and the goals of the organization. Effective leaders are able to adapt their style to meet the needs of their team and achieve their goals.