COACHING, whether in sports, professional development or personal growth, is often subject to various misconceptions. Among the common ones are that coaching is a quick fix, about giving advice, mentoring, counseling, consulting, only for executives or top performers, expensive, and exclusive.
These misconceptions were all proven to be wrong by Tina Sioson, a leadership coach and human capital consultant.
In a recent webinar organized by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, entitled, “Leaders as Coaches,” Tina defines coaching as a partnership between a coach and a coachee where both are co-equal experts. The coach is the process expert while the coachee is the content expert. The coach asks thought-provoking questions to unleash the potentials and empower the coachee to be a better person while the coachee has the resolve to be better every single day. Trust and safe space are essential in coaching.
Here’s what association leaders can learn from coaches:
1. Active listening. Coaches excel in active listening, a skill that enables them to understand their coachees’ perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. Association leaders can benefit from honing their active listening skills to better comprehend the needs and challenges of their members, fostering stronger relationships and more effective communication.
2. Powerful questioning. Coaches use powerful questioning techniques to stimulate reflection, insight, and goal clarity in their coachees. Association leaders can adopt similar questioning approaches to engage members in meaningful discussions, uncover hidden opportunities, and facilitate decision making within the organization.
3. Goal setting and accountability. Coaches assist their coachees in setting clear, specific, and achievable goals and hold them accountable for their progress. Association leaders can apply similar goal-setting frameworks to align organizational objectives with member needs and expectations. By establishing accountability mechanisms, leaders can ensure that goals are pursued diligently and results are achieved effectively.
4. Empowerment and autonomy. Coaches empower their coachees to take ownership of their goals and actions, stimulating self-confidence and autonomy. Association leaders can adopt a similar approach by empowering members to contribute ideas, lead initiatives, and take on leadership roles within the organization. By delegating responsibilities and providing opportunities for growth, leaders can cultivate a culture of empowerment and engagement among members.
5. Feedback and support. Coaches provide constructive feedback and support to help their coachees overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Association leaders can emulate this approach by offering feedback and guidance to members, especially those in leadership positions. By providing support and encouragement, leaders enable members to develop their skills, navigate challenges, and maximize their potential within the organization.
6. Building trust and rapport. Coaches prioritize building trust and rapport with their coachees, creating a safe and supportive environment for growth and development. Association leaders can strengthen relationships with members by demonstrating authenticity, empathy, and integrity in their interactions. By promoting trust and open communication, leaders cultivate a sense of belonging and loyalty among members, driving engagement and collaboration within the organization.
7. Continuous learning and improvement. Coaches are committed to their own ongoing learning and development, continually refining their skills and techniques to better serve their coachees. Association leaders can embrace a similar mindset of continuous learning and improvement, seeking out opportunities for professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing within their industry.
Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.