Leadership Coaching Explained: Getting Started + Helpful Tips

Ever wondered what it’s like to help someone become a better leader? That’s what leadership coaching is all about. 

Whether it's guiding top executives to refine their strategies or helping new managers inspire their teams, leadership coaching develops capable leaders across all levels of an organization. 

So, let’s get into it.

What is Leadership Coaching?

Leadership coaching is all about helping someone grow their leadership skills. It’s useful in all kinds of places, from small businesses to big corporations. The goal? To make good leaders great and help them get the best out of their teams.

Why is this important? Well, great leaders can change the way a company performs. They inspire their teams, make better decisions, and drive everyone toward common goals. That’s why good leadership coaching can really make a difference.

As per a study at a Fortune 500 company, 77% of respondents reported that leadership coaching positively affected business metrics. Additionally, they observed an increase in overall productivity and employee satisfaction.

Read more: Already a leadership coach and want to start your own business in leadership coaching? Check out our guide to making a flourishing coaching business.

What Does a Leadership Coach Do?

A leadership coach is a partner who guides people towards clarity about the leader they want to be. They work with a range of professionals—including managers, executives, and entrepreneurs—to enhance their skills and improve their performance.

Here’s what a leadership coach focuses on:

I read this article a couple of days ago, and guess what I found out? Even Steve Jobs had a leadership coach—Coach Campbell. They went on weekly walks together. It wasn't about discussing product strategies; it was way more personal. Coach Campbell focused on making him a better leader by giving him space to share, focusing on his strengths, and helping him fight his doubts.

How to Become a Leadership Coach in 5 Steps

Thinking about leadership coaching as a career path? Here’s a straightforward plan to get you started:

Pick a niche that aligns with your knowledge, skillset and where you see the potential to earn well.

Communication is key - make sure you're clear and empathetic when speaking with clients, showing them you truly grasp their issues. Focus on enhancing your skills first and, as you grow more confident, consider broadening your influence and reach. 

Before I grew my coaching business, I initially helped over 50 coaches on a smaller scale, fine-tuning my approach and building a solid foundation. Once I felt I could handle more, I expanded my operations to reach a broader audience.

If you are keen on becoming certified, check out our list of the top-ranked certifications. Consider programs accredited by reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

My Top 3 Tips for Coaching Others on Leadership

1. Leveraging Proven Coaching Techniques The most effective leadership coaching is a blend of tried-and-true practices that give real outcomes. My personal favorite is Motivational Interviewing. This technique helps you discover your coache’s motivations by asking open-ended questions. 

Instead of asking - “do you feel burned out?”, say, “Can you tell me about how you've been feeling at work lately?” My job as a coach is just to steer the conversation in the right direction, not lead it. I don’t try to describe their feelings for them. I let them do it. Give clients complete agency. 

Next, I follow it up with - 'Tell me about...' or 'Tell me more about…'. Starting with 'Tell me about' statement fuels clients to share their stories.

2. Setting Both Long and Short Term Goals I always stress the importance of goal setting with my clients. I help them outline both short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals provide those quick wins that keep motivation high, while long-term goals ensure they’re on a path to sustained growth and development.

3. Avoid Talking More Than You Listen: As a coach, a lot of us, including myself, make the mistake of ‘telling answers.’ The aim should be to  focus on what the client is saying and really listen. This approach helps build trust. It also empowers them to find their own solutions and grow as independent leaders.

Conclusion

Leadership coaching helps people become better, more inspiring leaders. 

By focusing on personalized approaches, setting clear goals, and truly listening, you can guide your clients to unlock their full potential. 

Thinking about becoming a business coach? Go for it! With the right training and dedication, you can have a big impact and enjoy a rewarding career.

Building a business in a field you’re passionate about might seem easy, but it comes with its fair share of obstacles.

It might seem big and a bit scary, but you’ve got support. We’re here to help you make a business that changes lives and makes you money.

Let’s take it step by step and make sure you have everything you need to start strong.

If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to leave a comment below!

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