6 Simple Ways to Add Coaching to Your Leadership Competencies

A survey by The Chartered Management Institute found that 80% of managers wanted more coaching.  Innovative leaders and organisations are starting to see the real benefits of coaching.  For example it is highly time efficient and cost effective.  Those that master basic coaching skills become even better leaders, have more motivated teams and get better results.  So what are the options for adding coaching to your leadership competencies?

1.                  Undertake coaching skills training

Coaching is not academically complex but does require you to practice in a safe environment.  Many coaching schools, professional bodies and personal development course providers offer introductory courses of 2-3 days duration.  This is an excellent way of developing the core skills.

Alternatively, you may well find short 2-3 hour seminars organised by professional bodies that will give you a taster and the opportunity to try it out.

2.                  Hire a coach

Being coached is a powerful experience and by hiring your own coach you get double the benefit.  You grow and develop yourself and also get the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques that you can use straight away.

3.                  Observe great coaches in action

It is highly likely that there will be a number of senior people in your organisation that you really admire.  You know the people that seem to have the knack of getting the best out of people, empowering them and inspiring them to aim higher.  Chances are that they focus a lot of their effort on coaching and developing people.  Take the time to notice and observe what it is these people say and do that has such a dramatic impact.  Notice also how they are being and the behaviours they are adopting in their relationships with others.

4.                  Reading

There are a mass of books available on the area of coaching which contain excellent information and also tools that you can use.  Start with a search on somewhere like Amazon or visit your bookstore.

5.                  Internet Research

Type in Coaching to a search engine like Google and you will get a mass of resources that you can access straight from you computer.  These include articles around coaching, free reports, free or low cost e-books or e-courses to name a few.

6.                  Teleseminars

Telesminars are delivered over the phone to a group.  These are an excellent way of developing some of the key coaching skills.  Most of the time calls are recorded so even if you are not available to attend the seminar live, you can access the recording and listen to it when it is convenient for you.

Competency in coaching will give you the edge as a manager and leader in your organisation. So when will you start developing your skills?