In every team based sport, there is a coach. A respected person revered for their intellect of the sport, team dynamics and vast experience. There is no logical reason why a coach should not exist in an organization as well. Teams exist as departments (IT, Finance, Administration, Human Resources) and at times as special projects as well. Over the years, coaching has become an important component of leadership and management within the conventional organization and is no longer the reserve of sporting activities. So what makes coaching so effective and popular with the modern organization?
Coaching - A field that everybody understands
In the context of situational leadership, D. Goleman proposed coaching as one of his 6 emotional leadership styles which leaders may use as behavioral type or as a role.
As a leadership style, coaching can be used when team members are highly motivated and competent with the subject matter but are not aware of the long term strategic goals of the team or organization. Coaching may be used to guides both teams and individuals alike to align their personal goals with that of the organization so that long term strategic objectives may be pursued. It is important that there be no friction brought about by varying levels of commitment of competence within the team; the responsibility of leveling out expectations and reducing friction within the team falls on the coach.
Coaching as a confidence and competence builder
Mentoring team members on a one-to-one basis may boost the individual's confidence and productivity which aims to increase their level of motivation to perform within a team setting. It is the responsibility of the coach to conduct regular feedback to monitor the individual's development; as the individual's performance increases, the coach may reduce their involvement towards professional development by providing less focused tasks for more abstract goals, allowing the individual the ability to work on their own.
The team's excellence depends on how well they have been coached
A good coach, who maintains regular meetings with their team and provides constructive feedback, will instill a habit among their team of constantly assessing weaknesses, strengths and areas where they can improve. An example is in an orchestra where the conductor creates harmony between individual talents but the individual must practice thoroughly on their own as well with assistance from the conductor. Coaching in this sense develops strong commitment to common goals.
Leaders are made and coaching helps you find them
A basis of being titled as a coach stems from the individuals ability to be very well organized, highly competent in their field, an excellent communicator who encourages feedback and a person who has vision and keen insight to develop and nurture up and coming individuals. Through purposive learning the talents of members of a team under the supervision of a dedicated and experienced coach will flourish. It is very likely that when such team members are entrusted with the role of formal leadership, they will be able to repeat the process with other individuals.
Bernard Lajeunesse has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years, you can check out his latest website about coaching at www.coachingmiracle.com which has some great ideas and tips on sports coaching
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