The Leader's Journey as a Coach

Once upon a time in earlier days, the path to a successful career was paved with the gathering of expertise in specific domains, where knowing the right answers was the key to advancement. Managers of then were expected to possess all the solutions, guiding their subordinates to replicate past triumphs. Command and control were the pillars of management, with the manager's role centered on directing and developing employees who understood the tried-and-true ways of doing things.

What was once a roadmap to success has become obsolete, and traditional managerial practices.?

So what's new now??

The 21st-century manager is faced with a daunting challenge: the relentless pace of change means they cannot possibly possess all the right answers.

Amid this sea change, organizations are veering away from the traditional command-and-control paradigm and are embracing something radically different—a model where managers provide support and guidance rather than rigid instructions. Employees are encouraged to adapt to ever-changing environments, fostering innovation, renewed energy, and unwavering commitment.

The role of the manager is currently undergoing a transformation, shifting towards that of a coach.

Becoming a coach represents a profound evolution. It goes beyond the well-intentioned practice act of imparting knowledge from the experienced to the less seasoned. It encompasses the art of asking questions that trigger insights in others. Coaching can be a challenging task, even for well-meaning managers. When faced with coaching scenarios, many managers tend to fall back on telling rather than asking. They begin with open-ended questions but soon become frustrated when the responses deviate from their expectations. They resort to leading questions or ultimately revert to telling, thereby stifling the potential for learning and growth in both themselves and their subordinates.

Aspiring to be such a coach is one thing, but making it a daily practice across the organization is quite another. In most firms, there remains a substantial gap between this aspiration and its implementation.?

The journey from manager to coach is both a personal transformation and an organizational evolution. As we navigate this shifting landscape, it's vital that leaders understand that coaching isn't a soft skill or a luxury; it's an essential competency for thriving in today's dynamic world. By embracing this role, leaders can foster a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation, positioning their organizations for sustained success in the ever-evolving business landscape.