If there’s one leadership skillset that differentiates good from great organizations, it’s the ability for your managers to be coaches. That’s precisely what today’s post is about. But to get there, managers have to recognize some of the common and costly challenges that often slow them down or stop them from coaching others.

Challenge #1: Problem solving is a problem. Managers are often great problem solvers, but the problem with problem solvers is that they don’t address issues until a problem rises to a certain level and grabs their attention. Coaching is less about problem solving and more about ongoing dialogue that helps people be successful before problems arise. So when leaders don’t address issues until they become problems, they miss out on great coaching opportunities.

We all know that the annual performance review is going by the wayside. The cumbersome process leaves managers feeling drained and employees devalued. Let’s face it, this dreaded beast of a process provided little in the way of measurable results compared with the time and effort required. Even the stalwarts who set the annual review standard, such as General Electric, are changing their approach.

As we wind down the year and look toward the next, there isn't a better time to step up and engage more effectively with your people. One the simplest and most overlooked tools that leaders have to enhance their coaching is the 1-1 Coaching Session. 

So, you decided to work with an executive coach to help you develop as a leader. Congratulations! This is likely to be one of the most rewarding experiences in your career development.

The next question is…how can you receive the most benefit from your leadership coaching journey?

Here are a few tips we share with our local Denver and Colorado coaching clients.

The best leaders spend up to 20% of their time coaching their direct reports.

It's a responsibility that leaders all too often overlook as they get caught up in pressing matters, but nothing can be more important to the health and future of an organization.

Coaching others not only helps develop their skills, it frees leaders to focus on more strategic initiatives as their junior leaders develop. It also builds the bench strength of an organization to ensure a competitive advantage in years to come.

I can't stop watching the Tour de France! As I mentioned in my previous post, what intrigues me most are the dynamics between the riders that ultimately make or break a team.