Let’s talk leadership programme best practice.
So many organisation-wide leadership programmes focus on ‘teaching’ leadership models and skills and precious few integrate executive coaching. Perhaps because there are precious few providers who are able to offer the blend of executive coaching, leadership development and effective communications.
And yet, it is hard to think of a valid reason not to. This is best practice, this optimises leadership development and accelerates learning and increases a leader’s impact on the organisation. Which is why we insist on every leadership development and high performing teams programme being dove-tailed with one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Nationally and internationally, across cultures and languages and without fail we see the results of designing in the executive coaching element.
By integrating executive coaching with leadership development, organisations create well-rounded, confident, and high-impact leaders who drive business success.
We couldn’t have put the impact better than this leader. Words offered, without prompt, at the end of a coaching session last week and shared with kind permission.
“I don’t feel I can articulate well enough, how this work has allowed me to see where I am, what I can be and how easy it is to get to this point. A reminder that it is OK to be yourself and to succeed. I had forgotten who I can be and what I can bring. What you have achieved with me in this work is outstanding.”
It is this individual reflection of group learning and the sharing of personal insight that adds an invaluable layer of team intelligence and rapidly heightens collective performance.
Quite simply it accelerates leadership development, here are just a few reasons how.
1. Personalised Growth & Development
- Coaching provides tailored guidance to address individual strengths, weaknesses, and leadership styles
- Leaders receive targeted feedback and strategies that align with their specific challenges
2. Enhanced Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence
- Coaches help leaders develop greater self-awareness, which improves decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
- Emotional intelligence is crucial for leading teams effectively and fostering a positive work culture
3. Accelerated Skill Development
- Leadership programs provide foundational knowledge, while coaching helps leaders apply concepts in real-time.
- Skills such as strategic thinking, communication, and conflict resolution are refined through hands-on coaching.
4. Better Retention & Application of Learning
- Executive coaching reinforces learning from leadership programs, making it more actionable and sustainable.
- Leaders are more likely to implement insights when guided by a coach in practical scenarios.
5. Increased Accountability & Motivation
- Coaches hold leaders accountable for their development goals, increasing commitment and motivation.
- Regular coaching sessions ensure progress is tracked and adjustments are made as needed.
6. Improved Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- Coaching helps leaders navigate complex business challenges with clarity and confidence.
- Leaders develop a more strategic approach to problem-solving and risk management.
7. Stronger Organizational Impact
- Leaders who undergo coaching alongside development programs contribute more effectively to business growth.
- Improved leadership cascades down to teams, enhancing overall organizational performance and culture.
8. Better Adaptability to Change
- Executive coaching equips leaders with resilience and agility to manage change and uncertainty.
- Leaders learn to handle transitions, such as promotions, restructuring, or market shifts, with confidence.
9. Increased Employee Engagement & Team Performance
- Coached leaders are more effective in inspiring and engaging their teams.
- Higher engagement leads to better team productivity, retention, and overall morale.
10. Long-Term Leadership Success
- A combination of structured learning and personalised coaching ensures continuous leadership growth.
- Organizations build a strong leadership pipeline by investing in both development programs and coaching.