How Coaching Reinforces Leadership Training

by Liz Summers

We all know that professional coaching is beneficial. As coaches, we help our clients uncover

their hopes and dreams and their path forward. We ask questions, help to guide their

reflections, and assist them as they grow in their personal and professional development.

While coaching on its own is meaningful, combining coaching with leadership development

training is a powerful combination. I’ve been part of a leadership development program that

assigns each participant a professional coach for 3-6 months following the two days of training.

As most of us know, even the best training sessions can leave one feeling overwhelmed with

information! It has been my experience that incorporating a coaching program following the in-

class training has been highly beneficial for participants.

During the training, participants select their top 3 development areas. It’s up to everyone to

select either strengths they want to leverage or development needs they want to address. The

participants share their three areas with their coach, allowing the coach to begin their

engagement with a plan of action. While the coaching sessions can deviate from the original

three areas, the sessions are much more robust with a foundation of information. The coach

helps the participant create specific and measurable goals. When participants begin to achieve

their goals, their self-confidence increases and often, their workplaces and their teams benefit.

By supporting leaders with both training and coaching, organizations see increased productivity

and better morale.

Coaching sessions on their own are incredibly valuable. When organizations can incorporate

coaching to reinforce the training material, great results are possible. Often, the coaching

sessions help to bring the goals to life. Coaches can also hold participants accountable while

also being supportive, resulting in increased goal achievement. If you’re not already

incorporating coaching into your organizational development plans, now’s the time. Your clients

and your participants will thank you!

More about Liz Summers

President of Advanced Leadership Consulting, Inc, is a Leadership Development Consultant, Facilitator and Coach. She can be reached at Advancing Leadership Consulting or 336-312-7325.