The Coaching Mindset

22 August 2021

How Can Leaders Become Coaches?
Or at the very least, adopt a coaching-leadership style in their day to day conversations?

First a quote from CS Lewis, Author & Poet

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

Yes, Leaders can be Coaches if they have a Coach Mindset. So what does having a Coach Mindset means?

First, it’s about HUMILITY. The openness to listen & learn even if you think you already knew the subject well.

The ability to accept feedback of any kind. Not be afraid to say “I don’t know,” to your colleagues.

Second, it’s about having the COURAGE to change when one finds that the change is for the better. The willingness to accept that there is a better way.

Third, is the DISCIPLINE to take actions once the options have been identified.

Sounds simple, but never easy.

How do we motivate Leaders to modify their behavior so as to adopt the Coaching Mindset?

Start with small steps. Out of the few ideas that came about, get them to choose one that can be executed over the next 72 hours. the quick wins will motivate them to do more. Once they see positive changes happening around them, they will be more disciplined to take further actions.

Then as a Coach, the only thing left to do is to be their best Cheerleader!