The global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is presenting significant challenges for leaders across the world. The pandemic is having a structural and financial impact on every business. But, at the same time, it is having a tremendous toll on the people running these businesses as they face unprecedented worries about health, family, employment, relationships, financial and other.
During these times leaders should adjust their leadership practices to align with the principles of coaching. The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “…partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential…”
Coaching can improve the client’s outlook on life and work and help the client tap into their potential to discover new, creative and resourceful ways to deal with their challenges, according to the ICF.
The 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study shows that individuals who partnered with coaches reported an improvement of 70%+ in their self-confidence, relationships, communication and work performance.
Here are four tools to help leaders evolve from being a leader to becoming a “leader-coach”.
1. Provide continuous feedback and communication
Leaders should schedule regular, virtual conversations to provide feedback and reach out to their teams who are working remotely. This helps employees feel seen and understood and provides an opportunity to discuss organizational priorities.
A Gallup study shows that employees who regularly communicate with their managers are nearly three times more engaged than those who do not.
Technologies like Zoom, WhatsApp, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Workplace by Facebook, G-Suite, etc. can help people of all ages and technology fluency stay in close touch with colleagues and collaborate effectively during the shelter-in-place restrictions.
2. Show empathy: Ask more than tell
Now more than ever, employees need empathy. One of the most powerful ways to show empathy is by asking questions and listening more than telling employees what to do. Here are three simple questions:
One: “What is working well?” This opens up the dialogue and reminds both the manager and the employee of all that is working out and going well.
Two: “Where are you getting stuck?” This focuses on the obstacles the employee is experiencing and sets the stage for finding solutions.
Three: “What are all the possible ways to do things differently?” This empowers the employee to think out-of-the-box, to look for options, be creative and resourceful.
3. Use the GROW® model for goal setting and problem solving
Leaders can apply the GROW model to help employees get “unstuck”. This model was developed in the United Kingdom and has been used extensively in corporate coaching since the 1990’s. Leaders should explore each of the letters in GROW.
Goal: what is the end point
Reality: where you are now; what are issues and challenges
Obstacles: what are the obstacles stopping you to get to your goal
Options: what are all possible ways to deal with the obstacles
Way forward: what are specific action steps to get to your goal
GROW can be used on strategy, processes, tactical and interpersonal issues. GROW can be used with individuals as well as teams working on the same problem or goal.
4. Lead by example: be a role model
People are more at home these days and are frequently exposed to frightening news updates on several media. Leaders should take the initiative to reach out to employees via live video interaction, webinars, articles, helpful and uplifting social media posts and more. This is the time for leaders to lead by example and help people see the bigger and brighter picture beyond the end of this crisis.
For further ideas on leadership and coaching please refer to the sources below:
https://trainingindustry.com/articles/leadership/coaching-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
https://coachfederation.org/app/uploads/2020/04/Staying-the-Course-PPT.pdf
https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/open-letter-role-of-coaches-during-covid-19-crisis/
https://hbr.org/2020/04/coaching-your-team-through-uncertain-times