Mentorship Isn’t Enough — Leaders Need Executive Coaching, Too. Here’s Why - Cynthia Laden Newman
Leadership skills are crucial for success in today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape. Leaders must continuously develop and refine their abilities to navigate the complex challenges and maximize their potential. While mentors have long been regarded as valuable sources of guidance, a growing trend emphasizes the importance of executive coaching in cultivating effective leadership. In this article, we explore the key differences between executive coaching and mentorship, shed light on the unique benefits of executive coaching, and highlight why it is indispensable for leaders in any industry.
I recently read an article Mentorship Isn’t Enough — Leaders Need Executive Coaching, Too. Here’s Why, published in Entrepreneur.
The article highlights 6 interesting ways in which executive coaching can ‘level up’ your organization.
As an executive coach, here are some of my ‘musts’ that leaders should embrace, to make their teams satisfied and practice the art of coaching:
1. Feedback: Leaders should have calendared meetings with managers to provide performance assessment, constructively delivering criticism or praise.
2. Goal Focus: Leaders should provide strategic business plans, schedule planning sessions and track progress to keep managers on point.
3. Accountability: Leaders should convey strategic visions, hold themselves accountable, and encourage honest feedback from managers to avoid blind spots.
4. Composure: Leaders should demonstrate self-control, communicate with understanding and compassion, and stay focused on the end result.
5. Human Capital: Leaders should be transparent and direct, establish clear metrics and promote a path for growth.
6. Coaching: Leaders should explain the how and why of coaching and the benefits to the organizations culture.
The article further underscores the significance of executive coaching for leaders in today’s rapidly changing business environment. As challenges become increasingly complex, leaders must possess the agility, resilience, and strategic thinking required to guide their organizations effectively. Executive coaching serves as a catalyst for personal growth, empowering leaders to navigate uncertainty, manage conflicts, and lead high-performing teams. By investing in executive coaching, leaders gain a competitive edge, accelerate their professional development, and enhance their overall effectiveness.
As organizations recognize the pivotal role of leadership in driving success, executive coaching has transitioned from a niche practice to a mainstream development tool. By shedding light on the unique advantages of executive coaching over traditional mentorship, this article aims to encourage leaders across industries to embrace this transformative approach to personal and professional growth.
Overall, the article presents a compelling argument for why all leaders should prioritize executive coaching as an essential investment in their leadership journey.
