A truly successful leader needs to be deeply invested in the professional development of their team. Often, managers are more focused on metrics than the unique strengths of their team members. This is a missed opportunity. Leveraging the professional skills of each team member leads to higher team engagement, greater job satisfaction and higher productivity with lower turnover.
Leaders who work with employees to set goals, define a focused vision, provide support and feedback and hold them accountable encourage their team to rise to a higher standard. They call out excuses and note when employees slip into old behavior patterns, while creating a culture that promotes growth.
There are many skills needed to effectively coach your team. Listening, active questioning, providing helpful feedback, goal-setting, and empathy are some of the key qualities a manager should have. A more advanced coach will also guide their team toward the solution instead of simply providing answers. They recognize and play into strengths, provide structure, and use a solutions-focused approach.
Prioritizing professional development can seem daunting at first, but it is well worth the effort. It not only benefits the person receiving coaching, it benefits you as their leader and coach. It is an excellent way to form genuine relationships and reach out in an authentic manner. Leaders who work closely with their team form stronger bonds with decreased turnover, higher productivity and greater job satisfaction for everyone involved.
[Managers who coach their employees along their journey are successful]