Individuals hired or promoted into new leadership roles adjust and flourish sooner with executive coaching. The process focuses on successful integration into the new role. What new technical and interpersonal skills become required upon promotion or when joining a new team or company? What does the new manager/leader want from their team and what do team members want from their new boss? For some new leaders, it will be their first experience having direct reports.

During coaching, clients have an opportunity to state and explore early reactions to the new environment. They can objectively assess new challenges and recognize their own and others’ expectations in a calm, neutral setting. Clients develop strategies for making timely contact with direct reports, new team members, and new supervisors. At times, new leaders also benefit from coaching to examine the impact the promotions could have on preexisting relationships due to status change, for example, when a peer suddenly becomes a direct report.

The overriding goal of the onboarding coaching is to work with the client to clarify the key priorities and goals, while seeking to understand the culture and processes instrumental to success. Other areas include setting up for effective delegation, strategies for team development and realignment, and running effective meetings with a new team.

My belief is that there are moments that every person is called upon to demonstrate leadership. It is not always as the CEO or upper management. Every person in an organization has a place in the matrix and at some time, will be depended upon by others for information, support, or guidance. These are leadership moments that every person has the potential to recognize and deliver their best. Empowering others to demonstrate and trust in their expressions of leadership is a key feature of a high functioning organization.

To be sure, there is much written about how leading and managing are different. Good management includes more ‘hands on’ abilities to organize, coordinate, communicate in a timely and effective way, and to execute with accountability.  Good leadership includes staying informed while inspiring, empowering, and encouraging innovation and continual improvement. Leaders inspire others to work together to fulfill the vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Both leaders and managers succeed when members of their teams know how they contribute and believe the work is meaningful.

Beth works with professionals who have risen to a level of authority through technical expertise, experience, succession, or personal influence. If you or your team have not had formal leadership training or coaching, or want to refresh your awareness, Beth can help.