What’s Your Coaching Super Power? (Take the Quiz Now!)

Coaching is a powerful tool that enables you to help your team members reach their full potential and drive overall success. Effective coaching requires a skillful combination of different strengths to support and guide individuals toward their goals. Each strength contributes uniquely to the coaching approach, fostering growth and development in the coachee.

Take our short, 2-minute quiz now to discover your personal strength. Once you have your results, read on to discover how to leverage your strength to empower your team members:

Authority

Authority in coaching refers to the ability to provide clear direction and guidance to team members. Coaches who possess this strength are assertive leaders who inspire confidence and respect. They are not afraid to take charge and make decisions when necessary. An authoritative coaching style involves setting specific goals, creating performance metrics, and holding team members accountable for their progress.

The strength of authority is beneficial when team members require strong direction and guidance and external motivation. It helps in streamlining processes, maintaining discipline, and ensuring that tasks are accomplished effectively. Additionally, an authoritative coach can swiftly identify roadblocks and provide the resources to overcome challenges.

However, it is crucial for authoritative coaches to strike a balance between asserting their expertise and understanding the coachee’s experience and encouraging the coachee’s individual growth. Being overly directive may stifle creativity and hinder the coachee’s sense of ownership over their goals.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is a coaching strength that focuses on collaboration and mutual problem-solving. Coaches who excel in diplomacy value open communication and seek input from team members when making decisions. They are skilled in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are embraced and respected.

A diplomatic, or democratic coaching style involves engaging team members in goal-setting and planning. By inviting them to participate actively, coaches can ensure that the goals align with individual strengths and aspirations. Regular check-ins with team members and encouraging feedback helps to facilitate modifications if needed.

While diplomacy is highly effective in encouraging teamwork it can often lead to decision-making by consensus, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. In certain situations, decisive actions may be necessary for progress. Coaches with a strong inclination towards diplomacy should be mindful not to overlook the need for timely and firm decisions when required.

Empathy

Empathy is a fundamental coaching strength that involves understanding and connecting with the emotions and experiences of your team members. Coaches who possess empathy exhibit genuine care and concern for the well-being of their coachees. They actively listen and validate the coachee’s feelings, creating a safe space for open and honest discussions.

An empathetic, or holistic coaching style focuses on recognizing and addressing the personal and emotional challenges that may impact a coachee’s professional performance. Coaches use empathy to support team members through periods of change or stress, empowering them to navigate these challenges more effectively. Holistic coaches often build strong coach-coachee relationships and encourage team members to build similar relationships with each other, creating an all-around supportive environment.

However, an overly empathetic approach may sometimes lead to enabling behaviors or avoiding necessary constructive feedback. Coaches should be mindful of the fine line between empathizing with their coachees and letting them off the hook when they need constructive criticism or accountability.

_______

At the end of the day, the most effective coaching leverages all three strengths. When applying the different strengths in appropriate situations, coaches can create a balanced and comprehensive coaching experience that caters to the diverse needs of their team members. Authority, Diplomacy, and Empathy each play a vital role in guiding and empowering team members toward success. By applying these strengths effectively, coaches can inspire growth, encourage teamwork, and empower their coachees and teams.

Looking to become the coach your team needs? Check out our program, “Coaching Strategies to Take Your Team to the Next Level.”