Coaching is a powerful management technique. If an organisation offers a professional coach, the smart manager should jump at the offer. 10Eighty uses a sophisticated app which allows coaches and clients to meet, match, contract and communicate; the app facilitates coaching conversations and provides resources and training to support those conversations. Online features integrated with traditional coaching enable high-performance coaching for all levels of employees.
In the absence of an external coach, an ambitious executive should take ownership of their development and career path; successful self-coaching requires discipline and self-awareness. It can be an invaluable professional development tool for the manager unsure of their career path, seeking to make a career transition or move into a different organisation.
DIY coaching skills
Implementing self-coaching helps a person to manage stress and to grow personally and professionally. Planning and progress tracking are important, but a realistic and flexible approach is key.
Clarity around goals and objectives – identify goals and be realistic about what is involved in achieving those goals and the challenges and barriers that may impact progress. Self-coaching asks the individual to think in terms of development while being open to new ideas, fresh perspectives and all the options.Â
Focus on reflection – set aside regular times to work on a career and self-coaching plan. A robust career plan needs investment in development whether via self-coaching or external coaching to really make a difference. Part of self-coaching is learning to listen with an open mind, imagining conversations with a role model or trusted advisor, and examining options that might be offered by a non-judgemental mentor or coach.
Be realistic – with self-coaching it’s important to look honestly at what needs to change by asking questions about workstyle, management style and change management:
- What worked well?
- What didn’t work so well?
- What could be done differently (or similarly) next time?
Coaching affords a step away from the day-to-day routine to look at priorities in an open and honest exploration of issues and concerns.
Developing a growth mindset – the basis for self-coaching, this is a way of thinking, aligned with commitment and perseverance that allows abilities, goals, and skills to be developed and nurtured. DIY coaching makes the individual accountable and responsible for pursuing growth and development.
Coaching as a core skill – increasingly organisations expect managers and leaders to be able to function as workplace coaches. Coaching is essential to success in a complex, volatile, and rapidly changing environment; the opportunity to acquire and develop coaching skills is crucial in a competitive jobs market.
Self-coaching for success
In the post-pandemic world of work, managers need to adapt swiftly to new technologies and volatile markets. Practicality means workers need to be flexible, able to collaborate and share knowledge with colleagues, and quick to learn new ways of doing things. Coaching helps the individual collate, absorb and process new perspectives and ideas.
Coaching, and self-coaching can both create an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and information, enabling original and innovative solutions, and finding learning opportunities in every situation and challenge.Â
