Workplace Culture Archives - Lifeskills Institute

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6 Tips on Changing an Unhealthy Work Environment with DISC

(Article originally published on PeopleKeys)

Are your employees or teams feeling perpetually stressed? Do you notice a lack of open communication within your organization? Have you been experiencing a higher than normal turnover rate? If so, these are clear indicators of an unhealthy work environment. The good news is that you have the power to initiate positive change and create a more harmonious and productive workplace.

In this blog, we will guide you through actionable steps to address and transform the negative dynamics within your organization, allowing you to cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling work environment. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the potential for lasting success.

Understand the DISC Model: Familiarize yourself with the DISC model, which categorizes individuals into four main personality types: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Compliance (C). This will enable you to gain insights into the unique characteristics, strengths, and communication preferences of each type, helping you better understand your colleagues.
While certification in DISC is not a mandatory, managers, HR professionals, and coaches often choose to complete the course to deepen their understanding of administering and interpreting DISC. This training allows them to effectively apply the DISC model and maximize its benefits in their respective roles.
Assess the Current Environment: Conduct a DISC assessment of the current work environment. This involves analyzing the predominant personality types present in the team or organization. Identify any imbalances or conflicts arising from these different profiles, which may contribute to an unhealthy work environment.
Promote Communication and Understanding: Encourage open communication and understanding among team members. Organize team-building activities, workshops, or training sessions focused on DISC. Help individuals understand their own profiles and the profiles of their colleagues to foster empathy and effective communication.
Foster Flexibility and Adaptability: Emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability within the work environment. Encourage team members to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives and communication styles of their colleagues. This will help in reducing misunderstandings and conflicts, creating a more harmonious workplace.
Provide Personalized Support: Recognize that each DISC profile has different needs and motivations. Tailor your management approach to accommodate the unique requirements of each team member. For example, individuals with a D-style profile may thrive in a challenging and goal-oriented environment, while S-style profiles may prefer stability and support.
Address Conflict Proactively: Actively address conflicts or tensions that arise within the workplace. Utilize the insights gained from the DISC model to facilitate constructive discussions and problem-solving. Encourage team members to express their concerns, while providing guidance on effective communication techniques to resolve conflicts.

DISC is a valuable tool that can be used in conjunction with other strategies to help create a healthy work environment. Whether you are a small business or on the Fortune 500, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration is essential for long-term success.

Make a greater impact! Call us at 6346 1455 to find out more about our DISC+ Programme and Professional DISC Certification Courses.

©Published by Lifeskills Institute Pte Ltd

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Mastering Leadership: The 7 Essential Traits of Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

(Article originally published on PeopleKeys)

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, emotional intelligence (EQ) stands as a cornerstone for effective leadership. Beyond the technical prowess and cognitive abilities, a high level of emotional intelligence is now a prerequisite for those eyeing leadership roles. As noted by psychologist Daniel Goleman, “The most effective leaders… have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence.”

Let’s explore the symbiotic relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence, including seven key qualities that define leaders with exceptional EQ:

Empathy: Empathy, distinct from sympathy, is the bedrock of emotional intelligence. Leaders with high EQ understand the feelings of their team members. By looking into the root of emotions, emotionally intelligent leaders can navigate challenges and steer towards solutions. A simple “How are you doing today?” can create a ripple effect of understanding and support.
Motivation: Beyond management, leaders should inspire. Motivation is the fuel that propels a team towards surpassing goals. A leader’s passion becomes contagious, fostering a work environment where individuals are driven to excel. Implementing reward systems further catalyzes motivation, acknowledging and celebrating achievements.
Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is the compass for effective leadership. Tools like PeopleKeys’ 4D assessment can illuminate strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledging limitations empowers leaders to take proactive steps for improvement. Seeking feedback and daily reflection are essential practices for cultivating self-awareness.
Appreciation: Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts builds a culture of value and acknowledgment. Leaders who express appreciation inspire loyalty and contribute to elevated workplace morale. A simple congratulation or acknowledgment of a job well done goes a long way in fostering a positive work environment.
Self-Regulation: In moments of conflict or tension, emotionally intelligent leaders exhibit self-regulation. Rather than reacting impulsively, they remain calm, express options, and work towards positive resolutions. Mastering emotional control not only enhances leadership in the workplace but extends its benefits to personal life.
Personable: Being personable is a leadership superpower. Taking the time to connect with employees on a personal level builds trust and rapport. Leaders who engage in genuine conversations outside of work create an environment where individuals feel seen and heard. Asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest enhances social and listening skills.
Realistic: While aspiring for excellence, emotionally intelligent leaders embrace realism. Setting achievable goals provides clarity and fosters an environment where team members can thrive. Acceptance of imperfection encourages creativity and a culture of learning from failures.

For those aspiring to cultivate emotional intelligence, the journey begins with self-awareness. PeopleKeys’ 4D report can help by serving as a valuable starting point with its in-depth behavioral insights. Remember, understanding oneself lays the foundation for comprehending and leading others effectively.

Make a greater impact! Call us at 6346 1455 to find out more about our DISC+ Programme and Professional DISC Certification Courses.

©Published by Lifeskills Institute Pte Ltd

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The Power of Self-Awareness

Unleashing Your Managerial Potential: The Power of Self-Awareness

In today’s dynamic workplaces, leading a team effectively requires more than just mastering management best practices. One of the most impactful and potent secret leadership weapon is self-awareness. A study by Zenger Folkman (2011) revealed that leaders rated high in self-awareness were 17% more likely to be rated as highly effective by their teams.

By understanding their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and communication styles, managers unlock a gateway to maximising their team’s efficiency and unlocking their collective potential.

“A workplace that encourages self-awareness is an environment where the most productive, curious, and innovative people thrive.” – Neil Blumenthal

Imagine a conductor, attuned to every instrument’s strengths and limitations, effortlessly harmonising them into a powerful symphony. In the same way, self-aware managers become maestros of their teams, fostering collaboration, trust, and results beyond the sum of individual efforts. Let’s delve into the transformative power of self-awareness and explore how it empowers managers to build high-performing teams.

Supercharge Your Strengths

Recognising your strengths as a manager empowers you to delegate effectively, maximise your team’s potential, and achieve remarkable results together. Identifying your strengths will equip you with sharpened leadership skills, and it even helps you better manage stress and stay focused, ensuring you’re present and supportive for your team. Time management becomes effortless when you understand what tasks energise your team, allowing you to delegate effectively and optimise your team’s workflow. Ultimately, you become a valuable leader, contributing your unique skills and fostering a high-performing team.

Communication That Connects

Crystal clear communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Self-awareness helps you articulate your vision and expectations with precision, avoiding misunderstandings and building trust. Recognising the communication style of yourself and every individual in your team will allow you to connect better with your team members. Even delivering feedback becomes constructive, promoting individual growth and a positive team environment. Communication transforms into a bridge, building trust and strengthening relationships with your team, ultimately boosting morale and engagement.

Knowing Your Tools When Triggered

Leading a team comes with its share of challenges. Self-awareness helps you identify your triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms for stressful situations. It fosters self-compassion, allowing you to navigate challenges with composure and support your team effectively. Recognising your values and purpose as a leader provides a strong anchor during turbulent times, keeping you motivated and resilient. Self-awareness equips you with the tools to weather the storms, emerging as a stronger and more adaptable leader, inspiring your team to do the same.

Building A Stronger Bond

Self-awareness is the key to unlocking a team’s potential. By understanding yourself, you can authentically interact with your team members, fostering deeper connections and trust. Recognising your own biases opens your mind to appreciating individual strengths and creating a more inclusive team culture. You’ll become adept at navigating group dynamics, resolving conflicts effectively, and empowering your team to collaborate at their best.

“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” – Carl Jung

Unlike being self-absorbed, self-awareness fuels your personal growth and allows you to connect with your team on a deeper, more impactful level. Remember, it’s a continuous journey, not a destination, filled with constant learning and exciting self-discovery. Here’s to taking a deep dive into understanding who we are, in order that our team may have clarity, confidence, and courage to follow in our direction.

One of the most powerful tools to grow self-awareness is the DISC personality profiling tool. Learn more about its implications within your team and how it is pivotal to unlocking the full potential of your team and harness the remarkable power of the DISC model to build an empowered and cohesive team. Call us at 6346 1455 to find out more about our DISC+ Programme and Professional DISC Certification Courses.

©Published by Lifeskills Institute Pte Ltd

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Using DISC to Improve Employee Engagement

(Article originally published on PeopleKeys)

Working collaboratively with diverse personalities can be a challenging task, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when approached with the right mindset. While communication barriers are often cited as sources of conflict, it’s important to recognize that ineffective communication and a lack of empathy for different perspectives can lead to even greater issues.

This is where the DISC communication style can play a transformative role. By embracing the principles of DISC, managers and team members can proactively prevent and address conflicts, understand communication preferences, tailor team dynamics, and foster a sense of unity that transforms individuals into a cohesive team.

The DISC model categorizes individuals into four distinct personality styles, each with its unique approach to work, thought processes, and communication:

Dominant Personalities

Those embodying a dominant D style are natural leaders who thrive on taking charge.

Empower them by entrusting them with multifaceted projects that allow them to lead and innovate. As they detest routine, ensure they’re engaged through task rotation. Recognize their accomplishments with awards or accolades, motivating their drive for success.

Influential Personalities

Influencers with the I style thrive on social interactions and creative endeavors.

Acknowledge their accomplishments through positive feedback and praise. Collaborative projects where they can harness their persuasive abilities are ideal. Public recognition in the form of fun accessories like patterned socks, ties, or hats can reinforce their sense of achievement.

Steady Personalities

Individuals embodying the S style excel as team players and detest conflicts.

They’re adept at enhancing repetitive processes. Assign them group projects that align with their preference for cooperative environments. They’re often champions of continuous improvement initiatives; their dedication can be celebrated through a collective photo collage showcasing their harmonious teamwork.

Compliant Personalities

The analytical C style appreciates structure and thrives when presented with data-driven decisions.

They might overanalyze details but their precision is invaluable. Entrust them with projects that demand meticulous organization and attention to detail. Encourage their growth by assigning tasks that expand their expertise, offering them a chance to shine.

Elevating Team Dynamics

Recognizing and accommodating these personality traits within your team can catalyze their success as an integrated unit. Aligning team members with tasks that leverage their strengths fosters a positive atmosphere and bolsters team morale. It’s imperative to include team-building activities that encourage bonding. Collaborative challenges offer an avenue for connection, aiding the evolution of an environment that thrives on teamwork.

In conclusion, understanding the DISC personality styles and their implications within your team is pivotal to unlocking their full potential. By tapping into each member’s strengths and preferences, a harmonious workplace culture can be cultivated. Through fostering engagement and aligning tasks with personalities, you’ll harness the remarkable power of the DISC model to build an empowered and cohesive team.

Make a greater impact! Call us at 6346 1455 to find out more about our DISC+ Programme and Professional DISC Certification Courses.

©Published by Lifeskills Institute Pte Ltd

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Coaching Leadership and Leadership Coaching: What’s the difference?

Both these terms are often used interchangeably. However, these are distinct concepts that play unique roles in shaping you into effective leaders.

We delve into the nuances of Coaching Leadership and Leadership Coaching, highlighting their differences and emphasising their significance in the realm of personal and professional growth.

Coaching Leadership

Coaching Leadership is a leadership style characterised by your emphasis on cultivating a coaching mindset within your team.

In this approach, you assume the role of a coach, guiding your team members towards self-discovery and personal development.

The primary focus is on unlocking individual potential, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and empowering your team members to take ownership of their growth.

Here are some key characteristics of Coaching Leadership:

Empowerment, not Control

Coaching leaders prioritise empowerment over control. You believe in the capabilities of your team members and aim to facilitate an environment where individuals feel empowered to make decisions, take risks, and learn from their experiences.

Active Listening and Feedback

Effective communication is at the core of Coaching Leadership. You actively listen to your team members, providing constructive feedback to facilitate their growth.

The emphasis is on creating a two-way communication channel that fosters understanding and collaboration between you and your team members.

Questioning for Reflection

Coaching leaders often use questioning techniques to encourage self-reflection. By asking thought-provoking questions, you can guide your team members to explore their thoughts, motivations, and potential solutions independently.

Growth Mindset

As a coaching leader, you adopt a growth and developmental mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

You support your team in overcoming obstacles, fostering their resilience and positive attitude towards learning.

Leadership Coaching

On the other hand, Leadership Coaching is a professional service that current and aspiring leaders seek to enhance their leadership skills and achieve specific goals.

It involves a one-on-one relationship between a trained coach and a leader, focusing on personalised development plans and strategies for achieving professional objectives.

Here are some key characteristics of Leadership Coaching:

Personalised Approach

Leadership Coaching is tailored to your specific needs and goals as a leader.

Your coach would work closely with you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, creating a customised plan for your professional development journey.

Goal-Oriented

The coaching process is goal-oriented, with you and your coach setting objectives and defining measurable outcomes together.

Whether it’s improving your communication skills, navigating the latest organisational challenges, or enhancing your decision-making, your coaching journey should ultimately be directed towards achieving tangible results.

Accountability

Leadership Coaching involves a level of accountability. Your coach should hold you responsible for your commitments and actions, ensuring that the strategies you agreed on with your coach are implemented.

This accountability fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline in your approach as a leader as well.

Skills Enhancement

While Coaching Leadership focuses on your ability to coach others, Leadership Coaching aims at enhancing your specific leadership skills.

This could include communication skills, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, or any other competency relevant to your role and goals as a leader.

Coaching Leadership is a leadership style that permeates the entire team, fostering a coaching culture within the organization. Leadership Coaching, on the other hand, is a targeted, individualised process designed to hone specific leadership skills and achieve predetermined goals.

Both concepts are invaluable in the professional development landscape, and successful leaders often find a balance between adopting Coaching Leadership as a leadership style and seeking Leadership Coaching to refine their skills.

Adopting both approaches can lead to transformative leadership, creating resilient, empowered teams and driving sustained business success.

Discover how you can be a Coaching Leader, or how you can embark on a personalised Leadership Coaching journey 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

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5 Signs Your Organisation is Ready to Embrace a Coaching Culture

The question on every business leader’s mind today is: “How can my organisation adapt, innovate and stay competitive?”

One powerful strategy to achieve this is by adopting a coaching culture – one that fosters continuous learning, a growth mindset, and self-improvement among employees, ultimately driving better performance and results.

But how do you know if your organisation is ready to embrace such a culture?

We explore five key signs that indicate your organisation is poised for the transition:

1. Your (fellow) leaders are committed and supportive

The first and perhaps most critical sign that your organisation is ready for a coaching culture is the commitment and support of you and your fellow leaders.

Leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and direction for any cultural shift within an organisation. When leaders not only endorse but actively engage in coaching, it sends a powerful message throughout the organisation.

Leaders who are committed to coaching understand that it’s not just a one-time intervention but a continuous process. You value the development of your team members and are willing to invest time and effort to help them grow.

In a coaching culture, leaders act as coaches themselves, guiding their teams toward achieving their goals and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.

2. Your employees (or peers) want to engage in self-improvement

A coaching culture thrives when all employees are eager to engage in self-improvement. This self-motivation is a driving force behind the success of coaching initiatives.

When your employees recognise the value of coaching and activel seek opportunities to grow and develop, it indicates a readiness for a coaching culture.

Encourage open dialogue within your organisation to gauge employees’ interest in coaching and self-improvement. Conduct surveys or hold discussions to understand their aspirations and needs. If you find a high level of enthusiasm for personal and professional growth, it’s a positive sign that your organisation is primed for a coaching culture.

3. Your team already has a growth mindset

A growth mindset is a key ingredient for a successful coaching culture. When people believe in their capacity to learn and improve, coaching can have a profound impact. A growth mindset encourages individuals to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and continuously seek opportunities for development.

Assess your team’s mindset by observing how they react to setbacks and challenges. Are they open to feedback and willing to adapt? Do they view obstacles as opportunities for growth?

If your team members already exhibit these characteristics, it’s a clear indication that they are ready to benefit from a coaching culture.

4. Your organisation’s goals and objectives are aligned

A coaching culture should align seamlessly with your organisation’s goals and objectives. When coaching is integrated into the fabric of your business strategy, it becomes a powerful tool for achieving those goals.

Alignment ensures that coaching efforts are not isolated but are directed toward driving the organisation forward.

Evaluate your organisation’s strategic priorities and assess how coaching can contribute to achieving them. Identify specific areas where coaching can make the most significant impact, such as leadership development, team performance, or employee retention.

When your coaching initiatives align with your broader goals, it becomes a catalyst for success.

5. You already have a good L&D programme

A solid foundation in learning and development (L&D) is another telltale sign that your organisation is ready to embrace a coaching culture.

Effective L&D programs are designed to facilitate skill development, knowledge acquisition, and continuous learning. These programs often incorporate coaching as a valuable component.

Examine your existing L&D programme to see if coaching is already a part of it or if it can be easily integrated. If your organisation values employee development and invests in providing resources and opportunities for growth, it’s a strong indicator that a coaching culture will be well-received and can build upon this existing commitment.

As your organisation seeks to thrive in today’s uncertain climate, adopting a coaching culture has become a strategic imperative.

As long as your organisation ticks most, if not all, of the above 5 points, it is high time to start embracing a coaching culture.

Let us help you turn your leaders into certified coaches who’ll nurture a coaching culture within your organisation.

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

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The Power of Personalised Coaching

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.

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The secret to becoming a Next- Generation Leader

The pursuit of becoming an extraordinary leader is an ongoing journey that requires a diverse set of skills and attributes.

In this pursuit, one of the often-overlooked yet transformative aspects is adding coaching into your skillset.

The Evolution of Leadership

Leadership has come a long way from the traditional top-down approach, where one might have primarily directed and controlled teams. Leadership today is marked by collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on nurturing people’s potential as individuals and as a team. The transition from mere management to true leadership involves understanding the nuances of human behavior, communication, and motivation.

At Lifeskills Institute, our philosophy centres around three essential principles — Character, Competence, and Connection. We believe an extraordinary leader should embody these principles as well, and extend them to the realm of coaching. Let’s look at how adding coaching skills can enhance each of these aspects.

Character: Authentic leadership

Character is the foundation of effective leadership. Authentic leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. You lead with integrity and transparency.

Integrating coaching into leadership allows you to not only be self-aware but also empower others in their own journey of self-discovery. A coaching leader encourages open conversations that lead to a deeper understanding of their team members’ aspirations and challenges. This fosters an environment of trust and authenticity, where everyone feels valued and supported.

Competence: Developing potential

Competence in leadership involves a deep understanding of the skills required to drive success. As leaders embrace coaching, you tap into your ability to develop the potential of your team members.

Coaching helps you identify strengths and areas for growth in individuals and tailor development plans accordingly. This approach nurtures a growth mindset and a culture of continuous learning. By becoming adept at coaching, you enable your teams to reach new heights too.

“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance.
It’s helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
– Timothy Gallwey, author and coach

Connection: Connecting with your team

Connection forms the heart of meaningful leadership. Leaders who coach understand that strong relationships are built on effective communication, emotional intelligence, and active listening.

When leaders add coaching to their skillset, they create an avenue for genuine conversations that go beyond work-related tasks. These conversations touch on personal aspirations, challenges, and growth opportunities. Through coaching, leaders connect on a deeper level with their team members, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

The Power of Coaching in Leadership

Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a dynamic tool that adapts to various leadership scenarios. Here’s how you can harness the power of coaching in your journey toward becoming an extraordinary leader:

Empowering through questions: Coaching involves asking powerful questions that prompt reflection and insight. By mastering the art of questioning, you can inspire your team members to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. This approach encourages greater autonomy and ownership.
Active listening: Effective coaching relies on active listening. By listening empathetically, you can create an environment where your team feels valued and heard, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.
Goal setting and accountability: Coaching encourages setting clear goals and holding individuals accountable for their progress. As a coaching leader, you can help your team members define their objectives, create actionable plans, and provide guidance along the way. This leads to measurable growth and achievement.
Feedback and growth: Constructive feedback is a cornerstone of coaching. You need to provide feedback in a supportive and constructive manner to empower your team members to learn from their experiences and continuously improve their performance.

In your pursuit of becoming an extraordinary leader, integrating coaching skills sets the stage for unparalleled growth, collaboration, and impact.

Our emphasis on Character, Competence, and Connection perfectly aligns with the principles that underlie effective coaching.

By embracing coaching, you not only enhance your own leadership abilities, but also empower your team members to reach their full potential.

Want to add coaching to your leadership journey? Call us at 6346 1455 or find out more about our Certified Career Coach workshop here.

Leadership Development and Team Building session

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5 Must-dos for Leaders to Foster a Culture of Feedback

Leaders play a critical role in fostering a culture of feedback that enables their teams to excel in today’s workplace. Constructive criticism not only improves individual and group performance, but it also generates a pleasant and collaborative environment conducive to growth and development.

Here are 5 must-dos for existing and aspiring leaders to transform feedback into a powerful tool for organisational success.

1. Lead by example

Setting a good example lays the groundwork for a culture of feedback. Leaders that openly welcome and actively seek feedback create a safe space for their people to do the same. Generating trust and open communication throughout the organisation can be achieved through genuinely valuing and considering the viewpoints of your team members.

As a leader, it is important to develop a collaborative style in which everyone’s viewpoint is heard and appreciated, rather than taking an authoritative style. This openness generates a sense of psychological safety, allowing team members to express themselves without fear of repercussions.

By actively collecting feedback yourself, you can foster a culture that values multiple perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within your team.

2. Establish transparent communication

Developing clear and accessible communication channels is critical for fostering a feedback culture in your team. Creating opportunities for both formal and informal feedback allows your team members to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Transparent and open communication helps leaders and their teams break down barriers, promoting greater trust and understanding.

You can use technology solutions that provide anonymous feedback or suggestion boxes, in addition to the more conventional face-to-face encounters. This serves to demonstrate your commitment to fostering such a culture of feedback, as such platforms cater to those who might prefer to share their opinions privately and even anonymously.

“Feedback is a gift. Ideas are the currency of our next success.
Let people see you value both feedback and ideas.”
– Jim Trinka and Les Wallace

3. Give constructive feedback

Constructive feedback promotes growth and development. Leaders must emphasise the value of delivering specific, practical, and actionable feedback in a supportive manner. We should offer feedback that identifies areas for improvement while also recognising achievements, instead of focusing on criticisms.

When providing feedback, leaders should have a coaching mindset. Rather than looking to correct wrongs, we are to prioritise empowering and encouraging our team. It is imperative to foster an environment where feedback is viewed as an opportunity for professional, and even personal, growth. We should accompany our constructive feedback with guidance and support, thus allowing our people to develop themselves and reach their fullest potential.

“(After attending The Extraordinary Leader with Lifeskills Institute) I have a better understanding of what kind of leader I am and where I should improve. The 360 feedback is the most valuable part which really helped me to better understand strengths and weaknesses.

The FUEL module helped me to frame and give feedback (especially redirecting feedback) to others, and I have gained insights from this workshop. Zenger Folkman (offers) one of best organisations to build your further success.”
— Monica Ai, Operations VP, Antolin (China) Investment Co., Ltd

4. Foster a growth mindset

A culture of feedback thrives in an environment that promotes a growth mindset. By encouraging team members to view feedback as a way to grow themselves professionally, leaders can help their team to not take any feedback personally.

Promoting continuous learning and development initiatives, such as workshops, training sessions, or knowledge-sharing platforms, lets team members know that their professional development is a top priority. Lead by example by sharing your own experiences, whether failures or critical feedback, and the lessons you gained from such situations.

With a growth mindset, we can instil the belief that skills and expertise can be developed through hard work and a growth mindset. Such a mindset encourages resilience and a willingness to embrace feedback as a means of personal and professional growth.

5. Recognize and acknowledge feedback

This is one of the most effective ways to promote the importance of feedback within our organisations. We should openly recognise and praise those who offer good ideas and suggestions. This allows us to foster a culture in which everyone is willing to actively participate in the feedback process.

How to recognise and celebrate feedback? This can be as simple as a saying thanks to more notable gestures like written commendations or even team celebrations. By emphasising the importance of their opinions, and that their contributions make a difference to the organisation, it will generate a sense of pride and ownership in your team . Such recognition can also serve as a powerful motivator, encouraging others to provide feedback as well, ultimately fostering a culture of feedback.

Leaders are key to fostering a feedback culture that promotes growth and success within their teams and wider organisation. As you gradually foster a culture of feedback, your team then becomes more engaged, empowered, and motivated to succeed.

“I attended a 2-day Elevating Feedback Workshop with Lifeskills Institute. The presenters Bryan & Ian made it interactive, practical & I came away with tools that I know I will be able to use with my organisation in an effective way. They provided a safe, trusting learning environment where we could ask questions, learn from each other & have fun at the same time.”
— Averyl Aeria, Life & Leadership Coach

Want to foster a culture of feedback? Join us at the Elevating Feedback Workshop. Contact us at 6346 1455 for more information today.

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An E-Book: Stories of Lifeskills | Celebrating 26 Years Of Lifeskills Institute

DOWNLOAD THE E-BOOK “STORIES OF LIFESKILLS” HERE.

In celebrating the 26th Anniversary of Lifeskills Institute, we reflect on the importance of constantly growing and gaining essential life skills, even in the midst of unexpected events. In this e-book, ‘Stories of Lifeskills”, we share inspiring stories of people who have overcome challenges in life to encourage others on their own journeys.

A Message from Ian, Chief Enabling Officer

“Lifeskills are an essential part of life. In this tumultuous, ever-changing world, we can never fully know what happens tomorrow. Will life throw us a sudden curveball? Or will we be found in the mundaneness of life? Regardless of the season, there is always something new to discover about ourselves, others, and to gain critical life skills that help us grow to be better versions of ourselves.

As we celebrate the 26th Anniversary of Lifeskills Institute, much has changed for us all in the last 2 years as we grapple with many unexpected events that has stretched us in many ways, even for us here at Lifeskills Institute. Yet, I see the good that comes out from it as we stretch ourselves in areas of re-discovering our story, re-aligning as a team, and re-positioning ourselves in the digital world.

There is always much to grow. Just as WIlliam Burroughs said, “when you stop growing you start dying.” It was during this season that I felt within me to do a collection of stories of people who crossed paths with us at Lifeskills Institute. To name a few, these are their stories of resilience, self-awareness, and love. We celebrate them for having overcome the challenges in life! May these stories inspire you today, wherever you might be on life’s journey. I leave with us this quote “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

May we all arise beyond our circumstances, to be sharpened with valuable life skills, to be conquerors from within, and a blessing to those around us.”

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