Effective leadership and coaching become even more important when the status quo is disrupted and change takes place. Our current times call for great leadership vulnerability and appreciation.
Leadership Vulnerability and Appreciation
When you rely upon the skills, talents, and abilities of both your direct reports and peers, you can achieve more. Two important factors ensure those interactions increase in value and meaning.
Vulnerability
This trait includes several attributes – open mindedness, authenticity, honesty and willingness to share thoughts and feelings.
When a person is willing to be vulnerable, they are more open to consider alternative solutions, and challenge the status quo. It is not always easy for leaders to put themselves out there; however, such willingness allows for stronger connections through building trust, the foundation of any good relationship.
Leaders must be focused on the organization’s strategy, because strategy, by design, is intended to change the status quo. To achieve a different outcome requires vulnerability: a willingness to see things differently.
Appreciation
People leave organizations due to a failure to demonstrate appreciation. Skilled leaders value the skills, talents, and abilities of others and express that appreciation regularly.
It is important to be specific when showing appreciation. Clarity about what someone did well focuses them on their strengths and they are more likely to repeat those actions.
It is important to give feedback about aspects of performance to show appreciation. If the feedback involves a need for improvement, convey it in a “coaching for success” manner. Providing feedback shows appreciation and is always a sign that you care about the individual.
Choose to become a role model and display both vulnerability and appreciation. Combine those attributes with asking powerful questions; listening with empathy and an open mind; goal setting; as well as ensuring clear, mutually agreed upon expectations and you have created good coaching. In the face of disruption, coaching is the best tool for helping others in your organization succeed. When they succeed, your success is more likely.
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