Leadership Coaching

It is a given aspect of any capacity building consultant—a consultant who works on all of the major aspects (strategic planning, fund development, board development, , communications) of building the capacity of nonprofits, as I do—but lately has become an end unto itself, which is a very good trend.

This article from Third Sector looks at individual leadership coaching,and though I have never been referred to as a "bulldog with no teeth" as the author has, I have been accused of being somewhat persistent of the importance of embracing learning.

An excerpt.

“A client once described me as a “bulldog with no teeth.” She meant it as a compliment! Along with a colleague, I was working with this client to support her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Yet as intentional as she was, she was also fearful and subtly resisted the change at the same time. So a vital part of the work included individual coaching to support her to clarify goals and to voice and work through her concerns.

“What Is A “Bulldog With No Teeth”?

“The executive described my coaching as steadfast—like a bulldog, I didn’t let go—but in a supportive way (it didn’t hurt, hence “no teeth”). Through this wonderful phrase, I believe she identified a core reason why coaching can be so valuable.

“As gently but firmly as I could, I asked her to directly confront her fears and go deeper to her beliefs about power and leadership. As a coach I asked her to look how her emotional responses were both moving the work forward and inhibiting it, despite her very strong intention. I asked her to listen to feedback (not criticism!). And, most importantly, I supported her taking concrete action.

“Engaging In-the-Moment

“At one point during an all-staff retreat, I provided in-the-moment coaching and asked her to explore the interactions she was having with staff right there-and-then. Her strength and values shone through at that moment, because rather than defensively dismiss me, she engaged and explored aloud. All could hear the difficult mixed thoughts and feelings she was experiencing.

“She was willing to practice new ways of responding, which had an immediate impact. Her modeling inspired other staff people to speak up and, together, they made progress building a more cohesive team.

“Overall the work was so successful that the client, my colleague and I presented our case study at a national conference. The client was very open in sharing with this audience about the support and challenge she experienced and the role that one-to-one coaching played for her.

“Impacting the Whole System

“Coaching impacts more than the individual being coached, if the emphasis is on identifying results for the organization that further the mission. The ripple effects through the organization can be great.

“Coaching can be valuable for executive directors, program managers, board members and teams, whether experienced or emerging. Rather than being “selfish” or a “luxury” as some in the non-profit sector see it, effective, results-oriented coaching helps improve leadership insight and action—critical as nonprofits adjust to changing realities. In the corporate sector, coaching is seen a plus to help valued leaders move to the next level of effectiveness.”