How To Build A Team Of Leaders

Building A Team Of High-Performing Leaders

By Heléne Smuts

Perhaps the best way to power up your business is by empowering the rest of your team to be leaders. Do you wish your staff would come to you with solutions, not just problems? Here’s a leadership tool kit to help you nurture leaders in your team and build a coaching culture.

Collaborative Conversations

Encouraging collaborative conversations allows team members to reflect on their situations and challenges. By creating an environment where team members can openly discuss their experiences, you foster a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement. These conversations are not just about airing grievances but about collectively brainstorming solutions and learning from each other’s perspectives.

Solving Their Own Challenges

Empower your team by giving them the opportunity to solve their own challenges with you acting as a soundboard. This approach encourages autonomy and critical thinking, essential traits for any leader. When team members feel supported yet independent, they are more likely to take initiative and develop innovative solutions. Your role as a leader shifts from being a problem-solver to a facilitator of problem-solving, which can lead to more sustainable and scalable outcomes.

Expressing Areas of Focus

Provide your team members with the opportunity to express what they regard as their areas of focus. This allows them to take ownership of their development and align their personal goals with the organisation’s objectives. By fleshing out these focus areas, you can help them set clear, actionable goals and create a roadmap for their growth. This alignment not only boosts their engagement and motivation but also ensures that their efforts contribute directly to the organisation’s success.

The Impact of Coaching Culture

Building a coaching culture within your organisation can have a significant impact on performance, customer service, and employee engagement. According to the Human Capital Institute and International Coaching Federation’s 2018 report on “Building a Coaching Culture for Change Management,” organisations with a strong coaching culture are more likely to be high-performing and resilient in the face of change.

High Performers

61% of organisations with a strong coaching culture are also classed as high-performing organisations. This statistic underscores the correlation between coaching and overall organisational performance. By investing in coaching, you equip your team with the skills and mindset needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the organisation’s success.

Customer Service

82% of organisations with a strong coaching culture said their organisation had fared either above average or one of the best compared to competitors. Effective coaching can enhance customer service by improving communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. When employees feel supported and capable, they are more likely to deliver exceptional service and build lasting customer relationships.

Employee Engagement Ratings

69% of organisations with a strong coaching culture said their organisation received higher or much higher employee engagement scores than two years ago. Engaged employees are more productive, satisfied, and loyal. A coaching culture fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, which can significantly boost engagement levels and reduce turnover.

Access To A Leader Who Uses Coaching Skills

70% of people surveyed said that access to a leader with coaching skills was helpful in delivering change management initiatives. Leaders who coach can effectively guide their teams through transitions, helping them navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities. This support is crucial in maintaining morale and ensuring successful change implementation.

In conclusion, empowering your team to become leaders through coaching can transform your organisation. By fostering collaborative conversations, encouraging autonomy, and aligning individual goals with organisational objectives, you create a high-performing, engaged, and customer-focused team. Investing in a coaching culture not only enhances your team’s capabilities but also drives your business’s success.