Like most things, a one-size-fits-all approach to coaching no longer suffices. You and your fellow leaders today face very diverse challenges, and the demand for personalised coaching has never been more critical.
Generic coaching may have once been the norm, but it limits your leadership potential and growth. In this article, we explore why generic coaching falls short, why coaching must be personalised, how to achieve such personalisation, and the practical steps to implement personalised coaching effectively.
Why generic coaching limits you as a leader
Generic coaching often treats leaders as if you are cut from the same cloth, sometimes ignoring your unique strengths, weaknesses, and developmental needs.
Every leader brings distinct experiences, skills, and goals to the table. Failing to acknowledge this individuality can hinder growth and limit the leader’s ability to reach their full potential.
Further, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The challenges you face as a leader can vary greatly depending on your industry, organisation size and set-up, and even your team dynamics.
Generic coaching fails to consider these contextual differences, leaving you ill-equipped to navigate your specific challenges effectively.
Leadership coaching is not just about imparting knowledge or skills; it’s about helping you and your leaders to apply those insights to solve real-world challenges.
Generic coaching lacks the specificity required to address the unique issues that you encounter in your roles, rendering you less effective in driving meaningful change.
Why your coaching must be personalised
Personalised coaching allows you to identify and leverage your unique strengths while addressing your key weaknesses. When coaching is tailored to your specific needs, you can unlock your full potential and excel in your role.
As a leader today, you must be adaptable. Personalised coaching equips you with the skills and mindset needed to adapt to changing circumstances, making you more effective in your decision-making and problem-solving.
When you receive personalised coaching, you are also more likely to take ownership of your own development. This sense of ownership encourages you to actively engage in the coaching process, leading to more meaningful and sustainable growth.
How can coaching be personalised?
To personalise coaching, start by conducting a self-assessment. These assessments can include 360-degree feedback, personality assessments, and skills assessments. The data collected helps you and your coach identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Coaches will work with you to establish clear and specific goals that align with your personal and professional aspirations. These goals should be challenging yet achievable, providing direction and motivation for the coaching journey.
Based on the assessments and goals, your coach should create customised development plans for you. These plans could include a combination of skill-building exercises, leadership workshops, mentoring, and feedback sessions.
Personalised coaching is an ongoing process. Your coach should regularly provide feedback to you and adjust the coaching plan as needed. This ensures that coaching remains relevant and effective as you progress in your leadership development journey.
How to implement personalised coaching?
One of the key factors in implementing personalised coaching successfully is selecting competent coaches who have the skills and experience working effectively with leaders. Coaches should be able to adapt their approach to the unique needs of each leader.
Set clear objectives for the coaching program. Define what success looks like and how it will be measured. This clarity helps align coaching efforts with organisational goals and ensures that the coaching you receive is purposeful.
Frequent progress reviews are essential. Check in with your coach regularly: Are you making measurable progress toward your goals? Are the coaching sessions effective in addressing your specific needs?
Ensure open and honest communication between you and your coach. Be willing to provide feedback on your coach and your experiences to share insights and observations. This feedback loop is vital for continuous improvement – for both you and your coach.
Leadership development is an evolving process. As you grow and circumstances change, your coaching needs may shift. Be prepared to adapt the coaching program to meet these changing needs effectively.
Get personalised leadership coaching today
Generic coaching no longer serves the needs of leaders. To maximise leadership potential and drive meaningful growth, coaching must be personalised.
Investing in personalised coaching is an investment in the future success of you, your leaders, and your organisation as a whole.
If you’re looking to go beyond generic coaching and want to take a personalised approach to coaching, find out more now and reach out to us today.
Want to add coaching to your leadership journey? Call us at 6346 1455 or find out more about our Certified Career Coach workshop here.
©Published by Lifeskills Institute Pte Ltd