Coaching with wellbeing in mind
I was catching up with a friend and fellow leadership coach recently. We got chatting about how challenging it is to define leadership and executive coaching.
Firstly, there are the obvious nuances around defining a ‘leader’ or ‘executive. However, that’s not what I want to share here (I’m likely to head into a rabbit warren of possibilities!). As coaches, what we often forget to explain is what boundaries (if any) exist in the coaching space. Is there territory we don’t, or won’t, explore?
Should coaching include wellbeing?
Does the client always have to stick to the confines of their working life? Can relationships be discussed? What about feelings and thoughts?
In my experience, the coaching space can literally hold *anything the client needs to bring; anything that may be holding them back from doing their best work and living a full life. Without exception, coaching should always include personal wellbeing. Without balanced wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) how can we possibly excel in our role?
I’ve noticed through my years of coaching how frequently clients tell me they struggle to find an outlet for their wellbeing concerns – it’s not always a topic they feel they can bring up in appraisals. Sharing their feelings with colleagues can create a level of vulnerability, few leaders and managers feel comfortable with. But by ignoring wellbeing, or hoping it will rectify itself in time, your best talent could be neglecting the heart of their energy and motivation, and this limits potential.
Getting the best from your talented teams
The world of work will always be ever changing and high octane for most of us. When your managers and leaders are running on empty, they simply cannot perform with the agility and poise your business demands of them. So, when you notice they’ve lost their mojo; they look and sound tired on that Monday morning zoom call; or they’re struggling to make the wise decisions they’re famed for, it could be time to think about one-to-one coaching.
The link between wellbeing and business performance
Working with Amy last year was a salient reminder for me about how personal wellbeing can so easily become neglected when execs have their eye firmly trained on business performance. I was really impressed by the way Amy wholeheartedly tackled the behaviours and habits that were scuppering her success and levels of happiness. What convinced me most, however, was the way in which her new healthy habits became so sticky, that Amy made them a sustainable part of her daily life and work. Read how her coaching success also led to client satisfaction.
Of course, when you notice that weary exec, it is also very possible they may just need a holiday, and that’s not a bad idea either!
Interested to know more?
If you are buying coaching services to boost the performance of your leaders and managers, and you believe coaching with wellbeing in mind will be a good solution for your team, get in touch.
I work with individuals to empower them by drawing out their innate strengths and giving them the tools to be the best they can be.
Read more about how I support leaders and teams with an individual approach that is unique and ‘person-centred’.
*The coach must of course be experienced and qualified to hold space, if supporting a client with trauma or specific wellbeing issues. I encourage you to always check the credentials of the coach you are considering before commissioning their services.
