Schedule Conversation

Leadership Development & Executive Coaching Services - Bridgeline Coaching

(713) 714-4955

Send a Message

Ready to Start Your Leadership Journey?

Get in touch with Bridgeline Executive Coaching today.

Benefits of a Coaching Leadership Style

by | Jun 22, 2022

Share This Article

Reflect on two distinct styles of leadership: transactional (directive) leadership versus transformational (coaching) leadership (aka a Coaching Leadership Style). While each style may have its place, it’s been well documented we learn better by doing as opposed to someone showing us or someone offering up the answers. We’ve all heard some version of the saying: Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn.

In this blog I’ll look at one of many examples and share my perspective on what might trigger a shift towards coaching as a leadership style, away from a directive style.

Scenario: Your guidance (mentoring) is met with resistance. I see that as a perfect time to shift to coaching!   Consider the two different approaches in such a scenario.

Directive – Upon encountering resistance to your guidance, you can become more directional in your interaction. “Go ahead and do it this (my) way and let’s see what happens.” Noteworthy consequences may be:

  • You’re communicating from a “parent ego” state, perhaps the least conducive to encouraging growth and learning. Communication is most effective when both parties are in an adult ego state. More on communication effectiveness in the article Why not ask why?
  • There are several possible responses and while the objective may be met, it also may be at the expense of deeper learning (a growing opportunity) for the employee.
  • The employee is far less likely to “own it” as compared to when they thought of it themselves.
  • If something goes wrong, it was your idea, not theirs.
  • It’s setting a standard that creates a dependency on the manager.

Leadership Courses, Leadership Training program, Leadership Development, Training Course.  Coaching as a leadership style.

Business meeting in an office

You’re not encouraging the employee to become a problem solver. Coaching – “I threw out an idea that doesn’t really work for you. What are your thoughts on how to…so that you can achieve your desired outcome?” Noteworthy consequences may be:

  • The employee thoroughly thinks through the issue and possibly identifies a better solution than yours or comes to the conclusion yours was the best solution, after all.
  • The employee is more likely to “own it” because they went through the process of coming to a conclusion.
  • Conditions the employee to become a critical thinker, as opposed to an order follower.
  • Maximizes the employee’s engagement as they are becoming an integral part of the solution, instead of a means to an end.
  • Frees up the leader’s time to focus on other, strategic areas of the business.
  • Increases the effectiveness of your organization in the long run.
  • It can be an investment in time.

Having been a transactional leader early in my career, I can unequivocally say I’ve become a big fan of coaching as a leadership style. I consider the sign of a good leader to be how well his/her team does when the leader isn’t around. I also acknowledge each situation is different, and you will know better when to ask versus tell.  With that in mind, what situation have you encountered that may benefit from switching from a directive (telling) to a coaching (asking) style? Please share your thoughts, below.

Written by Nick Tubach, MBA, PCC

To learn more about leadership communication and how to accelerate your professional and personal growth, let’s talk about what is possible. Contact Bridgeline Executive Coaching.

<a href="https://bridgelinecoaching.com/author/nick-tubach-mba-pcc/" target="_self">Nick Tubach</a>

Nick Tubach

Specialties - Transformational Leadership, Influence, Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, Communication Mastery

Share This Article

Related Articles

Mastering Team Leadership: Five Key Behaviors to Boost Team Performance

The hallmark of an exceptional leader lies in their ability to uplift teams, drive exceptional results, and foster an environment of collaboration and growth. At the core of this are five key leadership behaviors that consistently distinguish leaders of...

How to Present to Senior Executives: The Art of Concise Leadership Communication

James sat across from his executive sponsor, ready to deliver what he thought was a compelling formal presentation. His 12-slide deck was packed with data, charts, and supporting analysis. As he explained each point, he noticed the VP shifting in her seat and glancing...

Unlocking the True Potential: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Why is emotional intelligence pivotal in modern leadership? Leaders wield greater influence and achieve better outcomes when they can navigate their own emotions and understand those of their team. The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership centers on the...

5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team

Building a cohesive team is more than assembling talented professionals; it’s about nurturing an environment where collaboration thrives and collective success becomes achievable. Team development doesn’t happen overnight—achieving a high-performing, high-functioning...

Ready To Make A Change?

Our Experienced Coaches Are Ready To Meet You.