What does it feel like to work in your organization? Are you excited and motivated to be a part of your workplace? Do you feel optimistic that when things go wrong, or mistakes are made situations will be handled in a trusting and respectful way?

As coaches, we say that we like to handle things with a coach approach. It is a mindset shift that takes away the old way of thinking that managers know all and should be heavy handed in their approach. It replaces it with an approach that allows for coworkers to discover the basis of any issue with a lens of trust and support versus assuming bad faith or placing blame. It is the approach that says we are in this together and will figure it out, versus looking for the fall out person.

If as leaders and managers, we have done our due diligence in hiring and supporting the right people then why would we not always ensure they are motivated and are thriving. Companies spend millions of dollars on hiring and onboarding new employees; but we forget that retaining the ones we have is a better overall strategy and cheaper.

A company’s overall culture or philosophy on employee engagement and development will help to retain and grow the best talent. A culture of coaching will create the most loyal employees and produce the best results. Understanding how to create leaders who know how to develop is also a challenge for some organizations. Sometimes those who can sell the most business or are the most extroverted are the ones getting promoted. When the real heroes are the ones who know how to support and work with teams of people to develop them to the next level and achieve outstanding results. Unfortunately, these unsung heroes don’t get the recognition or support they deserve, but are often the reason employees stay.

With a coaching mindset, you look through the lens of opportunity not resistance. You determine the why behind behaviors and as leaders adjust your own behavior to produce the results you need.
You have to believe that people are genuinely good and wanting to be seen as capable. People generally want to add value and feel like they are contributing, so how as a leader are you opening the doors for your employees to achieve their goals.

I have worked in organizations that have the coach approach and some that did not. When I look back at my career I can see how I grew and flourished in the ones that did. My mindset and approach has been shaped by those great leaders who had the vision and the philosophy to care for me as person and always made me feel like my contribution was worthy. Took the time to ask the questions of clarity to fully understand and used words like I trust you and know you will make it happen. This is empowering people to be at their best and what we get back as employers is tenfold. You get way more than what is in any job description. You create a sense of team and dedication and commitment to the business goals while working through each person’s personal journey

Creating clarity for people on how they can make an impact to the overall goals will help them to feel motivated and focused. By using a strengths-based approach, understanding what they naturally are good at and where they can contribute most and setting them up for success will align the person and the business to move forward in the same direction. That is our role as leaders and coaches

An organization with a coaching mindset is not about fluffy soft conversations, it is about creating a great place to work and developing your people and your business to create the best outcomes for both. As leaders, you do not have to feel like a coach mindset is difficult just be genuine and treat employees like they were your kids or family members who you truly care for and only the want best for. That is the shift in mindset that will help change the way employees feel about you as a leader and the rewards both personally and professionally will be many

Nancy Dewar is a Certified Leadership Coach and International Facilitator and is the founder of Inspire Coaching and Facilitation. Nancy has written the book, “Coaching 101- A Simplified Guide to Being a Great Coach in Business.”
By Nancy Dewar
www.inspiringyou.ca