Leaders with a growth mindset can turn their teams into responsible solution seekers, and executive coaching is an effective way to help them do this. It can boost innovation by providing opportunities for creativity, such as Atlassian's quarterly hackathon. It also encourages employees to work outside their comfort zones without fear of consequences, which is a powerful way to cultivate a growth mindset. Executive coaching is an invaluable tool for leaders who want to develop the strategies, habits, and attitudes they need to successfully lead others.
It involves a series of honest conversations in which the employee will receive constructive feedback aimed at taking them out of their comfort zone. The goal is not to “solve problems” for employees, but rather to strengthen their leadership skills and improve their effectiveness. The best executive coaches understand the psychological factors that empower and inhibit people. They can help leaders define innovation roles and responsibilities in the organization and identify or appoint champions, innovation advisors, “powerful” innovators and leaders of continuous improvement.
Executive coaching services work best for employees who are determined to invest in the process with an open mind and in good faith. Learning and development professionals should keep in mind that, since a hired coach will guide the practice of leadership, this person has the power to significantly influence organizational culture. Executive coaches can be hired to work with people who have demonstrated potential but lack the confidence to take on a leadership role, as well as with people who are already high-level managers but who have been stuck in their position. Before committing to an executive coach, set up an early meeting between the coach and the candidate to see if they're a good match.
Executive coaching often helps improve emotional intelligence, a fundamental tool for leaders. As leaders develop their emotional intelligence, it is easier for them to identify personal triggers that cause distress, regulate their emotions, recognize the emotional states of their employees, and foster positive work relationships. Even with fixed tasks or workflows, providing information to all members of the team and the company about how the work is done will prepare the team for growth. Mark Sanborn, author of The Potential Principle, believes that leaders need to transform before someone or something else does it for them.
Executive coaching is an effective way for leaders to develop a growth mindset and foster innovation within their team. It can help them unlock their potential and become more successful in their roles.
