Who Coaches the Coach? - 3 Reasons Why You Should have a Leadership Coach

So you've been in the leadership role for a couple of years now. It's been going well. You've had more wins than losses. However, you can’t help but feel:

 “It’s hard to be everything to everyone!”

 “I’m good with the technical stuff… but the people stuff is a whole different story!”

 “People are depending on me to make big decisions, and I’m just not sure what to do!”

 Do any of these statements resonate with you?

If you’re like most technical professionals who find themselves thrust into a leadership role, there is a lot on your shoulders.

Your team has a lot of respect for you and looks to you not only for your technical advice, but for coaching & mentoring. Everyone is watching, and they've given you the benefit of the doubt to date. You've gotten by on your previous successes and your great personality. It's hard not to like you!

But you're in a different place now. You are hiring, firing, promoting and compensating. And you are doing these things by yourself, with less and less input from your boss, who used to be in your role. The decisions are becoming yours. You find it tough to have the difficult conversations with your team. It's hard to be everything to everyone.

It’s easy to feel all alone. That’s why the cliché “it’s lonely at the top” is actually a deep truth. But I would have you consider that you don’t have to be on this leadership journey alone.

Who do you talk to? Who is your "coach"? You could talk to your boss, but he/she is too close; has their own opinions. You certainly don't want to look weak or unsure in front of them. You may have some ideas about a different direction that your boss may not support just yet. Your direct reports are great leaders themselves, yet you can't talk to them about each other! You have a spouse at home who has been with you through it all, but it's not the same. 

Who coaches the coach?

Everyone needs a coach. Whether you're an Olympic athlete, a brand-new player or a seasoned leader, in any business. Having someone who is there to listen to, support and guide you is invaluable. Here's why:

1.   Coaches offer a different perspective.  We haven't necessarily been where you've been. We may even have come from a different industry.  But we bring new experiences and a fresh approach. And we ask tough questions and ask you to look at yourself in the mirror.

2.   Our focus is on you and only you. We are there to make sure you are the best leader you can be. No baggage; no judgement.  A good leadership coach is a good listener. We really hear you and only want what's best for you.

3.   We bring the people perspective. Often leaders are very focused on the nuts and bolts of the business. You have risen in your role because of your level of technical expertise. You may find yourself now being a leader of people in disciplines you are not as familiar with. But it's not about the technical skills, it's about the people skills. And being good with people starts with understanding yourself.

I have had the pleasure of being that coach for some pretty fantastic leaders. I’ve worked with everyone from seasoned engineers who are now corporate executives, to entrepreneurs who are disrupting their industry in positive ways, to new team leads who are just getting a taste for leadership. I have been proud to support them as they strive to be the best they can be for their teams and take their business to new heights. It takes courage to seek out someone to help you, especially in some “old school” industries.

The coaching relationship is important, and actually quite necessary for those who truly want their teams to win. Not every coach is right for every leader. Trust and connection are key. If you'd like to hear more about how I could support you to overcome the obstacles you’re currently facing and rise up to a place of confidence and certainty, send me a message to set up a complementary coffee session. 

Let's get to know each other.