Why coaching is essential in a digital age

There are few leadership articles that I read today that don’t talk about the speed of change , the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and the real challenge for CEOs and those in senior leadership roles to ensure their people have the human skills necessary to compete, to adapt, to innovate.

The global leadership forecast 2018 found that digital transformation and the constant threat of disruption is having a significant impact on leadership at every level.

Uncertainty. Increased work. Decreased time. Pressure to learn more. Pressure to make decisions faster or get left behind.

For some this pace is thrilling and invigorating. There are endless possibilities, challenges and opportunities. For others, the pace and pressure to respond is simply terrifying. No time to think things through, to examine risk, reflect, and ensure a measured and appropriate decision is made before proceeding.

Often the battle between move ahead quickly and slow down and ensure we do the right thing can create conflict and polarization in our teams which kills collaboration, creatively and our ability to execute.  The result? Conflict, decreased engagement, productivity & Innovation.

Enter Leadership Coaching

Coaching creates a personal learning experience that are relevant to the person. The pace of learning and the goals are identified from within the individual and as such, incorporate that person’s realities about change and embracing new technologies. The more you know about yourself, the better you adapt.

Top ways coaching develops leaders in a digital age:

1. Creates psychological safety – keeps people in the learning zone
2. Creates a culture where people seek to understand and listen versus tell
3. Develops trust in self – people try new things and are less worried about blame or getting in trouble
4. Creates open hearted leadership – more connection and engagement to others who are also on a personal learning journey
5. Unlocks creativity – people have more fun together and being playful supports innovation
6. Creates a ripple effect – when people feel safe, confident and creative the spend less time in worry and fear and more on getting things done, being a leader moment to moment, making decisions and executing

As a leader, what advances in the digital age have been the most intimidating to you, professionally? Personally? How have you pushed through the fear to discover new opportunity in the new “thing”? Will you share your story?