Whether you are managing people for the first time or are a seasoned leader, we all have room to grow. Effectively managing and leading your team helps you focus time on what’s truly important all while continuing to advance in your organization. Partnering with a leadership coach will help you build self-awareness, develop your leadership capabilities and maximize team performance. 

When prospective clients reach out asking about leadership coaching. They usually say something like, “I just want to be a better leader”. Meaning, they often don’t really know why they need a coach, they just know it will help them grow. Though this insight is great, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of the value you will get from leadership coaching and why you should consider working with a coach.

1. We all have room for improvement

Think back to one piece of feedback you were given on your last employee survey, 360 or annual review? Most likely there is something that has been identified for you as a focus area. And if you are in the unfortunate situation where you aren’t given feedback, most likely you can still think of something you personally would like to improve upon. If you haven’t taken the time to build a list, consider starting that now. 

Write out a list of 5-10 leadership skills you would like to improve upon. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few of my favorite leadership skills. Feel free to borrow from this list or add more:

In the leadership coaching process you will experience discussion around both the tactical and strategic elements of great leadership.  You may be struggling with how to run an effective 1:1 meeting. If so, there will be a tactical resource to help you be more effective in this area. Or you may be struggling with something much more strategic. These strategic focus areas will be a part of the ongoing deep conversations you will have with your coach. There may not be a module or an exercise that supports it; however, deep questioning from your coach will help expose how to be more effective and create the necessary habits to improve in your desired area.

2. We all want the best for our people

Some of the most rewarding experiences I had as a manager in the corporate world were when my employees delivered great news about their own personal development. When they got into the MBA program, when they got called for their dream job interview – then got the dream job, when they excelled at a project or when they earned a promotion. Being able to celebrate these successes alongside your people is extremely rewarding.  

The realty is, they did the work. They put in the effort and they achieved the goal, but they likely couldn’t have done it without the support of those around them. And most likely this includes you as their leader. Do you want to be the type of leader that just punches a clock, follows a schedule, asks for results and goes home at the end of the day? Or do you want to be the type of leader that supports your people, helps them grow, allows them to feel motivated and inspired, and possibly even the leader that they tell others they hope to be like someday?  If you want the best for your people, keep working at it, that’s the sign of a leader.

3. You’ll learn from someone new

At Ama La Vida, we only hire leadership coaches who have been through coach training programs and performed in a leadership role themselves. Working with a leadership coach can often feel like working with a trusted advisor. They will use coaching techniques and questions to help you find the right solutions but may also advise based on the situation at hand. The coach may have either directly experienced what you’re going through, or successfully supported a client that has.  

Our leadership coaches are passionate about constantly learning and creating new tools for clients. When they aren’t coaching, they are seeking new information and creating new resources to allow their clients to succeed.  We use proven and tested methodologies and tools. Our coaches utilize a variety of tools and techniques based on the coach and the client’s needs. 

4. You need an accountability partner

Your leadership coach will help keep you motivated and accountable as you consider new perspectives embodying the leadership attributes you value. Together, you will discuss your strengths and areas of opportunity. You will discuss at length the leadership behaviors that are most critical in your role and how to turn those behaviors into habits.  You will walk away from the leadership coaching experience not just with knowledge, but having practiced skills, improved upon them and made long-lasting habits. 

So, why do you need a Leadership Coach?

You need a leadership coach because you have skills you can elevate for both your personal growth and your people. Whether it’s your first leadership role or you’re a seasoned executive, I encourage you to ask yourself why you need a leadership coach. Come up with that list of skills and reflect on how improving upon them will help to grow both you and your team. Reflect on the value of that trusted advisory and accountability partner. When you’re ready, we are here for you!

Want to learn more about your leadership coaching program? Feel free to read more about our leadership coaching here and when ready schedule time with one of our relationship specialists to discuss which of our leadership coaches is the best fit for you!