Young managers particularly face many challenges. Freshly promoted to manager level, they lead employees for the first time and take responsibility for the work of others. Suddenly, communication is just as important as analytical work. Business coaching can help new managers develop quickly, avoid mistakes and find their leadership style. But how does it work? The following article provides clues as to what executive coaching can look like and what to look out for as a coachee.
How does business coaching for young executives work?
The coaching process varies depending on the coachee’s needs, the company’s requirements, and the coach’s methods. Nevertheless, there are some typical components:
- Setting clear goals and expectations
- Discussing challenges, opportunities, and next steps
- Building self-confidence, resilience, and resistance
Developing personal leadership skills - Reflection on progress
Why is business coaching important for young leaders?
Young managers are often under great pressure, both professionally and privately. They are burdened with the (supposed) expectations of their superiors, employees, and their private environment. Added to this are their own expectations.
At the same time, the tasks in the young manager’s daily work are completely new. Communication and soft skills are suddenly much more needed. While many a manager spent the whole day working in Excel before being promoted to team leader, they now have to represent the interests of their own team in meeting after meeting and assert themself against experienced colleagues.
In this situation, young managers need help. In a coaching session, they can talk to an external person in a confidential one-on-one meeting. This creates a safe space in which weaknesses and mistakes can be discussed and overcome.
Studies by the International Coaching Federation show that coaching makes a difference for recipients in organizations. 70% of all coachees perceive their work performance has improved after receiving coaching. A similar number of coachees (71%) behave more sensitively in interpersonal communication.
How to find a business coach?
We have written an article about how to select a coach. It’s easy with Narra’s Coach Matching. The coach matching algorithm can be used by (young) managers to find the right coach for their situation and needs. If the employer contacts Narra beforehand, the billing can also be done easily through the organization.
Tips to coachees: What pitfalls you can avoid in business coaching
Coaching is an effective means for personal development and the achievement of one’s own goals. However, coaching also has limitations of which you should be aware.
- Your coach is not your mentor. They do not know your business context and therefore will not be able to give you concrete advice. Instead, they will help you structure your thoughts and proceed expediently. Many coachees look for someone with experience in their own field – but this is not a prerequisite for successful coaching.
- The responsibility remains with you A coach can help you think through your choices and try new behaviors. However, they cannot take away the responsibility for your decisions. Actually, this helps you because otherwise, you would become too dependent on the external person.
- Meaningful coaching requires preparation and follow-up. You will get the most out of your coaching if you come to sessions prepared and implement what you have discussed. We recommend that before each session you consider what topic you want to discuss and tell your coach how they can best help you. After the session, it helps to make notes with new insights and or assumptions. In addition, reflect at least once a week on whether you are applying your new learnings.
