The New Leader -€“ A Coach!

As top down, steely-eyed management techniques fall further out of favor, more businesses are tapping into skill sets used by coaches. “More employees, frustrated with inadequate leaders, have been requesting this,” says Monique A. Honaman, CEO of ISHR Group.

Several Fortune 500 companies have brought in her team to help valued employees develop faster based on individual needs. “Historically, external coaches or HR professionals were used as coaches,” says Honaman. “But now we’re seeing more clients who want to train their internal operations leaders to become coaches so they can better lead and develop their internal talent.”

Leaders who are able to function as coaches can help develop less experienced workers, support high achievers, help employees who might be “stuck” and work as a sounding board for those worried about their performance.

“Coaching isn’t about giving people the answers directly, but rather about helping them realize the answers that are right for them and their situation by providing perspective,” explains Honaman. A coach can provide resources to help employees explore their skills and identify their goals within the company, suggests About.com.

A leader who is a coach can determine areas in which an employee excels and point them in the right direction in order to take full advantage of their talent, says Associated Content.

Bonus PINK Link: An industry insider gives seven principles to get the most out of your investment in coaching.

By Muriel Vega

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” Rosalyn Carter