Shamila Mhearban, Leadership, Team & Group Coach. Working with leaders to create a high-performance culture at The Leadership Growth Hub.
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My recent dialogue with a senior executive coaching client left me reflecting on how coaches use a variety of tools and approaches in order to effectively support the development of senior leadership skills among their clients. Over the last decade of working with senior leaders, it has been clear that coaching senior executives and leaders demands a nuanced approach, one that balances the art of telling with the finesse of facilitating discovery. In this dynamic relationship, the coach serves as a guide, navigating the client through challenges and opportunities, ultimately fostering growth and development. Central to this process is understanding when to encourage discovery and when to impart knowledge directly.
The Value Of Discovery In A Coaching Dynamic
Encouraging a client to discover answers for themselves is often the cornerstone of effective coaching. When emotions run high or complex situations arise, the power of self-discovery cannot be overstated. By allowing the client to unearth solutions independently, the process inherently holds more meaning and value. It is through this self-realization that genuine and lasting change is catalyzed. As a coach, my role is not to provide answers but to pose incisive questions that prompt introspection and invite new perspectives for my clients.
The essence of discovery lies in its transformative potential. When a client uncovers insights through their personal journey, the impact reverberates far beyond the coaching session. In my experience, these revelations are internalized more deeply, leading to behavioral shifts that endure over time. By refraining from simply handing out solutions, the coach empowers the client to take ownership of their growth, fostering a sense of agency and self-reliance that is not limited by the perspective of the coach.
When Telling Benefits Your Client More
However, there are instances where telling a client something directly proves to be the most effective approach. When dealing with facts, universal truths or direct observations, the coach's role evolves into that of an informant. In these situations, clarity and efficiency are paramount. By articulating information concisely and directly, the coach ensures that the coaching session maintains momentum, keeping the dialogue focused and productive.
Moreover, the concept of a "greater truth" adds another dimension to the telling approach. "Greater truths" are universally accepted by most individuals but may not necessarily be facts. By leveraging telling in such contexts, the coach navigates delicate terrain with finesse, guiding the client toward deeper understanding without diluting the essence of the truth. Attempting to force discovery in these scenarios can lead to frustration or a sense of condescension, undermining the coaching relationship.
The Power Of Silence
Critically, the effectiveness of both telling and discovering hinges on the coach's mastery of listening skills and strategic use of silence. Active listening forms the bedrock of effective communication and is a critical component of an insightful coaching experience, enabling the coach to discern subtle nuances and underlying motivations. The coach gains insight into the client's thought processes through attentive listening, facilitating tailored interventions that resonate deeply.
Equally important is the strategic use of silence, allowing the client the space to process information and formulate their thoughts. Silence serves as a powerful tool, fostering introspection and inviting deeper reflection. In the context of coaching senior executives, where time is often a precious commodity, the judicious use of silence can yield profound insights in moments of stillness.
In conclusion, the interplay between telling and discovering forms the essence of coaching senior executives and leaders. While encouraging self-discovery fosters profound insights and lasting change, there are moments where direct imparting of knowledge is indispensable. The art lies in discerning the appropriate approach for each situation, guided by a commitment to active listening and the judicious use of silence.
Ultimately, by striking this delicate balance, coaches empower their clients to navigate the complexities of leadership with clarity and confidence.
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