Progress, development towards a more advanced condition, happens by taking steps. Some of those steps are small, some large. Some take lots of effort, some are easier. Sometimes you know exactly where the steps take you, sometimes the road chooses you. Nevertheless, steps need to be taken, one after the other.
Progress as a leader is a long journey. You explore, you discover, you achieve, you fail, you learn and grow. Steps need to be taken.
There is much to talk about how to make the leadership journey as good as it can get. We can talk about how to choose the destination, how to prepare for the journey, how to go faster, how to make others follow you and how to make decisions at critical junctures.
Today, we talk about your guide. The one who supports your leadership journey. The one who is with you every step of the way, who listens, asks powerful questions, evokes curiosity, challenges you, encourages you, provides perspectives, helps to reframe, gives ideas and keeps you honest and accountable. The one who helps you to stay on track. Your coach.
ICF, International Coaching Federation, defines a coach practitioner as “someone who provides an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. The coach’s job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has.”
We experts in the leadership field know that coaching is the most impactful intervention for personal and professional growth. 2023 Global Coaching Study of ICF reveals some interesting facts about the coaching profession.
– The coaching profession continues to expand at a robust pace. In 2022, the estimated number of coach practitioners exceeded 100,000 for the first time, reaching 109,200, representing a 54% increase on the 2019 global estimate.
– In 2022, active coach practitioners generated an estimated annual revenue/income from coaching of $4.564 billion U.S. dollars (USD), representing a 60% increase over the 2019 estimate.
– Clients aged between 35 and 44 years (37%) are most frequently in receipt of coaching services, followed by clients in the 45 to 54 age range (32%). Around one in five (21%) are aged under 35 years. The age composition of coaching clients in 2022 was very similar to the position in 2019.
This growth and diverse usage indicates the growing appreciation of the impact coaching creates. Some of us remember the ancient history when coaching was the last resort before ending an employment contract. Today coaching is THE vehicle to boost performance, realize potential, accelerate your career and prepare you to the top job. In business not only individuals but also teams are coached. Coaching frameworks and skills are not only utilized by coach practitioners, but also by internal HR practitioners and, more importantly, by leaders of all walks of life.
If you are still not convinced, here is a summary of why coaching works.
Personalized Development – Coaching provides leaders with personalized feedback and exploration, helping them understand their strengths, areas for improvement, preferences, triggers, beliefs, values and personal purpose. This tailored approach accelerates personal and professional growth, allowing leaders to address specific challenges and develop their unique leadership style.
Enhanced Self-Awareness – Coaching encourages leaders to reflect on their behaviours, motivations, and impact on others. This self-awareness is foundational for effective leadership, as it enables leaders to understand their influence on others, make conscious decisions and regulate their emotions and responses.
Increased Accountability – A coach holds leaders accountable for their development goals. Regular check-ins and progress assessments ensure that leaders remain committed to their growth plans and take consistent actions toward achieving their objectives.
Improved Decision-Making – Coaches provide a sounding board for leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities. In this safe space, leaders analyze situations more objectively, leading to better decision-making.
Enhanced Resilience and Adaptability – Leadership often involves navigating uncertainty and change. Coaching helps leaders build resilience, develop regulation and coping strategies, and adapt to evolving circumstances, making them more effective in dynamic environments.
Better Relationship Management – Effective leadership is built on strong relationships. Coaches guide leaders in developing empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills, which are essential for building trust and fostering positive relationships.
Fostering Innovation – Coaching encourages leaders to think creatively and explore new approaches. By challenging existing assumptions and encouraging innovative thinking, coaches help leaders be more resourceful.
Long-Term Success – Ultimately, coaching equips leaders with the tools and mindset needed for sustained success. The ongoing development, increased self-confidence and refinement of leadership skills ensure that leaders can adapt to new challenges and continue to thrive.
In summary… if you want to get the most out of your leadership journey, make sure you have a good guide!