Are you at a crossroads in your career or leadership?
Perhaps you’re struggling to connect with your team, feeling stuck in your role, or navigating change. Coaching has transformed the lives of countless individuals - and it could help you too.
When I started training as a Coach in 2005, I realised that I first needed to learn about myself before I could coach others. Luckily, I was taught by some amazing Coaches who not only helped me develop as a person but gave me a toolbox to help others.
In this edition, I explore three powerful ways coaching addresses common challenges leaders and HR professionals face. These insights, inspired by guests on my Leading People podcast - top Coaches Dr Paula King, Andrea Lages, and Jonathan Reitz - offer you practical tools and resources to unlock potential for yourself and your team.
If you’re looking to dive deeper, each section includes links to full Leading People podcast episodes, where these coaching experts share their personal stories and actionable strategies.
1. Finding Clarity and Direction
Have you ever wondered if you’re on the right path?
Jonathan Reitz, MCC, ACTC was thriving as a broadcast journalist when he realised his career no longer aligned with his purpose. Witnessing a coach transform a disjointed team into a unified one inspired Jonathan to leave broadcasting and pursue coaching full-time. Today, he is a leading trainer of Coaches in the US.
Key lessons for clarity:
- Pause and Reflect: Coaching creates a structured space to explore your priorities and uncover what truly matters.
- Challenge Your Assumptions: A coach helps you see opportunities and solutions you may have overlooked.
“The most effective coaching is where the client gains clarity about their thinking and they piece together the opportunities that point them toward a different and improved future.” – Jonathan Reitz
Try this today: Write down a question you’ve been grappling with, such as, “What’s the next step in my career?” Spend 10 minutes reflecting on potential answers. Then discuss this with your Coach.
🎧 Listen to Jonathan’s full story: How Coaching Changes Everything
https://leadingpeople.buzzsprout.com/1496338/episodes/9375354-how-coaching-changes-everything
2. Building Bridges Across Differences
Are you leading a diverse team or struggling to align different perspectives?
Brazilian native, Andrea Lages, leveraged her experience in cinema and theatre to bridge cultural gaps in the workplace. As a co-founder of the 15,000-member strong International Coaching Community (ICC), she trains leaders worldwide to foster understanding and collaboration.
Key lessons for alignment:
- Focus on Shared Values: Coaching uncovers what unites teams and builds empathy across differences.
- Cultivate Open Dialogue: Safe spaces created through coaching allow for honest, constructive conversations.
“What can make the real difference is how you make the other person or the people on your team feel.” – Andrea Lages
Try this today: Reflect on a recent disagreement at work. What might you learn by exploring the other person’s perspective? Then discuss this with your Coach.
🎧 Discover Andrea’s insights: Why Leaders Need Coaching Now More Than Ever
3. Unlocking Leadership Potential
Do you want to lead with greater impact?
Dr Paula King's journey began with a mentor who saw potential in her that she didn’t yet recognise. Now the founder of Kingstown College and an author, Paula has trained thousands of Coaches to empower others. One way she recommends is through reflective practice.
Key lessons for effective leadership:
- Prioritise Reflection: Great leaders step back to understand their impact and adapt their approach.
- Invest in Growth: Coaching enables leaders to create environments where their teams thrive.
“It's that space of reflective practice that's actually vital.” – Dr Paula King
Try this today: After your next meeting, reflect on what went well and what you could improve for next time. Then discuss this with your Coach.
🎧 Hear Paula’s story: How to Bring Out the Best in Yourself and Others
Quick Wins from This Edition
- Pause and Reflect: Spend 10 minutes this week journaling about a key question in your career or leadership journey. For example, “What’s the next step in my career?”
- Foster Collaboration: During your next team interaction, practice seeing the situation from another person’s perspective. Notice how it changes the conversation.
- Enhance Leadership: After your next meeting, reflect on what went well and identify one thing you could improve for next time.
These small actions can have a big impact. Try them out and see what shifts for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Coaching offers practical tools and profound insights to help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. Whether you’re seeking clarity, building stronger connections, or enhancing your leadership, it’s a proven path to growth.
At Wide Circle, we have been helping leaders and teams unlock their full potential through tailored coaching and leadership programs since 2007. Interested in learning more? Let’s connect.
đź’¬ Join the Conversation at our Talent Lab https://www.widecircle.eu/talent-lab-community
What’s one challenge you’re facing as a leader or professional right now?
Share your thoughts below, or reach out to explore how coaching can help you overcome it.
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