Posted: Thu 16 Feb 2012
95% of managers believe coaching benefits their organisation
A recent survey by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) reveals that coaching techniques are finding widespread adoption and that the 'coaching culture' is really taking off. The report also found organisations are realising a variety of benefits to the coached individuals and the overall business. Here are some of the key findings:
- 53% of respondents reported their companies were more likely to offer coaching for personal development
- 43% reported improvements in self-awareness
- 42% said coaching boosted self confidence
- Other benefits included the development of leadership, management and communication skills
- Better conflict resolution
- Higher motivation and improved preparation for a new role in the organisation
- 95% said they believe coaching benefits the organisation
- 96% said it benefited the individual
An area for concern found by the ILM was that there's a shift towards using internal coaches who may not be prepared for the job. External coaches are used primarily to coach senior managers. Interestingly, there is more rigour applied to selecting external service providers than internal coaches, therefore a greater focus on developing your internal coaching capacity is needed. Read the report in full.
So what should you look for in a coach?
Right at the top of the list has to be a sound understanding and solid experience of the recruitment industry that will ensure the coach can be up to speed quickly with the issues that need to be addressed. If there is also sector specific knowledge then so much the better
With this should come stability and maturity, credibility, sound judgment and strong people skills. After all, there is no point investing time and money in someone who cannot create an immediate rapport and does not inspire confidence
A good coach will have a naturally positive approach and an empathic style. They will also be a good listener, be able to articulate their ideas and suggestions well and be able to gauge the pace at which to implement actions and objectives. Above all, they need to be a confidante to those individuals they coach – something to always be respected with regard to the feedback given to line managers
Coaching can be as flexible as the client requires. It may be that a single session is all that is needed (although these often turn into ad hoc usage of the services of the coach), a planned programme over a period of time or to meet the needs of a specific issue in the business. If there are two or three people in the business that could benefit from some one-to-one coaching, the coach is often able to ensure that they incorporate some 360° feedback to benefit the business as a whole
Managing or leading a team is fraught with challenges and having someone to talk to who is neutral and able to offer a different perspective on things, can only be a good thing. Getting the right one can make a world of difference in terms of providing focus, motivation, clear goals and a renewed enthusiasm to face the challenges of the marketplace.
Our services that will help create a 'coaching culture':
Nurturing Talent
Sharing your knowledge to develop others' skills. This one day course (part of our leadership qualification) is for team leaders who need to raise the skills and confidence levels of the individuals in their teams quickly and effectively. This course covers methods and best practice for building on the skills of the team and develop their ability to perform; concentrating on coaching, mentoring and delegation.
Find out more Next dates: 22nd Mar, 7th Aug
Executive Coaching
Our established “dream team” of executive level global recruitment experts all have their own particular specialist focus, for example business growth, director development, M&A, international expansion and startegic planning. The concept of all this shared knowledge means that senior managers can “pick and mix” their advisors to suit their needs. This is a bespoke solution which gives a holistic approach to meet specific business issues. Find out more
Train the Trainer
Your management team must act as your internal champions for a learning culture to really become embedded. Our two day Train the Trainer course, for those who love to be hands on with coaching and training, will enhance these skills to best practice levels. Not only does this mean you can spend less money on external resources but it also gives great personal and leadership development for your managers too.
Call us for more information +44 (0)1582 791 838 or email julia@landerassociates.co.uk
What should I do next?