What are the most effective ways to develop cross-functional team leadership skills as a personal coach?

4 Encourage them to build relationships and networks

One of the key aspects of cross-functional team leadership is building relationships and networks with people from different backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives. You can encourage your clients to do this by helping them identify and connect with potential mentors, sponsors, allies, or peers who can support their development and growth. You can also help them develop their emotional intelligence and cultural competence, which are essential for creating trust, rapport, and respect with others. You can also suggest them to join or create communities of practice or learning groups where they can share insights and best practices with other cross-functional team leaders.

5 Expose them to diverse learning opportunities

Another way to help your clients develop their cross-functional team leadership skills is to expose them to diverse learning opportunities that can broaden their knowledge, skills, and mindset. You can do this by recommending them to read books, articles, podcasts, or blogs that cover topics related to cross-functional team leadership or the fields of their team members. You can also encourage them to attend webinars, workshops, courses, or events that can enhance their learning and networking. You can also challenge them to take on stretch assignments, projects, or roles that can expose them to new situations and challenges.

6 Model cross-functional team leadership yourself

Finally, as a personal coach, you can also model cross-functional team leadership yourself by demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes that you want your clients to adopt. You can do this by showing curiosity, openness, and respect for their diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives. You can also communicate clearly, collaboratively, and constructively with them and with other stakeholders. You can also share your own experiences, challenges, and learnings as a cross-functional team leader or member. By modeling cross-functional team leadership yourself, you can inspire and motivate your clients to follow your example and improve their own skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?