Cathy Liska Coaching is the fastest growing industry in our country. The role of a leader has changed, and now leadership skills are more aligned than ever with coaching skills. Three of the skills are pillars of both roles, so this post considers the application and implication of each.
1. Listen
How often have you observed a conversation and thought to yourself, “they really don’t get what is being said?” Communication is a top deficiency in the workplace (and often in relationships) and because listening is the first communication skill, those that develop listening skills create more opportunities.
* What happens without listening skills? Miscommunication, conflict, missed deadlines.
* What happens with listening skills? Understanding, productivity, creative thinking.
Listen intentionally – focus physically and mentally on the speaker, anticipate rephrasing everything they say, and work to understand both their feelings and what they aren’t saying.
2. Ask
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to come up with a solution to others situations? Is the follow-through as assured if the idea is someone else’s? Telling is easy; asking is effective.
* What happens without asking? Intimidation, resentment, shut-down.
* What happens with asking? Engagement, commitment, motivation.
Ask to empower – ask others their thoughts and ideas, and how to make it happen so that they develop the action plan and timeline to follow.
3. Support
What is support? More than just assisting, support is encouragement, empowerment, and backing someone up whether or not you agree. To earn the support of others, a leader starts by giving support. A Coach is a partner and by definition of the relationship, supports the client.
* What happens without support? Minimal effort, disinterest, mistakes.
* What happens with support? Loyalty, enthusiasm, trust.Coach and Leader
Support because people matter – show you care to earn the privilege of leading or coaching.
