Coaching: The Pathway to Success for Emerging Leaders
“Louli, you need to work on your communication,” this is the feedback I used to get from my leaders earlier.
Despite trying various strategies, the drastic improvement I sought seemed out of reach. This struggle made me realize that I needed something more—something deeper—for my personal development.
My journey led me to coaching, a transformative experience.
My quest into coaching wasn’t just improving my communication, it was a profound transformation that touched the core of who I am as a leader and as a person.
Coaching opened doors to self-awareness, revealing insights into my behaviours and emotions that I had never fully understood. Transformation, I’ve come to believe, can happen in two significant ways: through unexpected life events or through intentional coaching.
While we can’t control the former, choosing to be coached is a conscious decision, one that empowered me to become a more effective and compassionate leader.
Leadership isn’t a static trait, it’s a skill set that can be nurtured and developed. However, taking that first step to enhance your leadership abilities requires courage and commitment.
Many leaders excel in several areas but find themselves hindered by one particular aspect that affects their overall effectiveness. With the guidance of a leadership coach, this area of struggle can be addressed, leading to a more meaningful and rewarding leadership experience.
I remember one client, Sheetal (fictitious name to protect her privacy), who came to me overwhelmed by the pressures of her new leadership role. She felt trapped, unable to manage the stress that was weighing her down. Through the coaching sessions, she was able to see herself more clearly. With deep reflection, several underlying issues soon began to surface.
- She was overextending herself, helping others even when it exceeded her responsibilities, and struggled to set boundaries in her new role.
- Her perfectionist tendencies made it hard for her to adjust, as she couldn’t maintain the same standards she had before.
- She feared judgment and craved constant affirmation that she was doing well.
As she uncovered these patterns, she gained a clearer understanding of how her actions were holding her back. This self-awareness became the stimulus for change, empowering her to take confident, decisive steps in her leadership role.
Self-awareness is at the heart of any meaningful transformation. When Sheetal recognized how her behaviours were impacting her leadership, she was able to make informed decisions that aligned with her true capabilities and potential. This newfound awareness did not just help her manage her role—it helped her thrive in it.
“Failing to invest in coaching is similar to leaving untapped revenue on the boardroom table,“ Jessica Hill Holm.
Working with a leadership coach is essential, and it is an investment worth making without a second thought in your career.
It is an opportunity to cultivate the leadership qualities that will not only serve you now but will also prepare you for the challenges ahead. For those with big ambitions, coaching elucidate your strengths, making you more visible and attractive for the leadership roles you aspire to.
Based on research into the impact of coaching on emerging leaders, studies indicate that coaching is a highly effective developmental tool. Investing in leadership development early in one’s career yields long-term benefits, creating value that extend across decades rather than just a few years. This early investment enhances their:
- Well-being
- Sense of purpose
- Self-awareness
- Humility
It also prepares them to take on additional responsibilities, transition into new roles, improved performance and productivity and lead with confidence, and with impact.
Based on the Global Study Report 2023 published by the International Coaching Federation, leadership coaching is the main area of coaching in India (39%). Further, the survey reveals that 57% of clients are sponsored, whereas 43% of clients pay for their own coaching. This indicates a growing awareness of the benefits and return on investment in coaching.
According to a recent global study by the International Coaching Federation, companies that invest in coaching see an average return on investment (ROI) of 7 times the initial investment.
ROI studies conducted by Metrix Global, LLC, demonstrate that leadership coaching consistently delivers business value. The ROIs have generally been in the range of 500% to 700%.
Engaging a leadership coach is a necessity now, not a choice, for anyone who wants to create a great impact and leave a lasting legacy. Make the right decision at the right time to excel in both your professional and personal pathways.
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Louli K
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