Coaching as a leadership development tool has existed since ages in the corporate circles. However, in spite of carrying huge effectiveness, it has not been employed to its full potential nor is it trusted much as a tool.

This blog is inspired by hundreds of conversations we have had on this subject with leaders and professionals in different industries, across domains.

Here are some common patterns that we have observed across most of the leaders and organizations. Here are 2 realities that have been consistently noticed:

1. Lack of first-hand experience as a leaders

Most of the time, the decision makers have only heard about coaching as an effective tool and have never experienced it themselves. Since coaching is a self directed experiential learning, it cannot be understood by merely hearing, reading, or learning about it from external sources. You need to experience it.

Be honest and ask yourself: “Have I personally experienced coaching to decide whether it is effective or not?”

Very few professionals know that coaching isn’t just another training and development intervention. To become an ICF certified coach means integrating your goals, vision, and leadership. It makes your approach as a leader more authentic, sustainable, and credible for long-term change. Let me ask you:

– Can you be a great leader by just being great at your numbers?

– Can you be a great leader by only being popular in your team?

Are these the only two areas that make a great leader? So basically, can you have any approach that is singularly focused for you as a leader? Well, you know the answer within.

You need something else to go beyond things you know, to discover areas you do not know.  ICF Accredited Global Leadership Coach Program can make a real difference here, helping you see beyond the obvious.

You learn more and LEAD because others are still not there. They are still busy fighting the battle of intellect.

“Leadership is not about leading people, it is about leading yourself.”

2. What to change?

Ask yourself this:

– As a leader, what are some of the perceptions, which, if changed, can help you go to the next level of leadership?

– Are you very sure those are the areas you want to work on?

– As an L&D person, are you sure about the areas a particular leader should work on?

– Are you sure that group interventions are bringing real change?

– Are you able to measure the change post-leadership development interventions?

It is important for decision-makers to understand that the need for leadership development now demands more inside-out approaches versus outside-in approaches. The leader needs to first recognize the need for change before we offer any intervention. Without that, we think we are bringing change, but no real change happens. The ICF coaching certification ensures that leaders focus on self-awareness first and creating an inside-out transformation.

We are sure you have invested a significant amount of your budget on outside-in approaches and entertainment, which isn’t working for you today. Now is the time to become an ICF certified coach to create a long lasting impression.

3 Myths About Professional Coaching

1. It’s expensive: A couple of years back, a new car brand entered the Indian market, everyone used to say, “It’s expensive,” without realizing the customization, value for money, quality, and brand it brings. This is exactly what’s happening to coaching as an industry. To become an ICF certified coach is an investment that brings immense ROI.

Look at the kind of budget you shell out on entertaining your employees and call it engagement. Do you think it’s bringing a sustainable impact for your organization? Look at the kind of salaries you pay to your top leaders and look at the cost-benefit that coaching brings by coaching one top leader.

When a top leader is coached, it brings inside-out change. If you have always believed in the school of thought, which says, “Leadership is a top-down approach,” then you understand what this means. When aligned with ICF credentials and standards, the transformation is even greater.

Now imagine the quantum of change that coaching can bring to an organization when guided by leadership coaching India standards.

2. It’s only for self-development: Well, if this is the myth you are living with, you need to know that coaching brings several tangible benefits to organizational culture, engagement, and leadership. Leaders’ growth with ICF coaching also helps improve productivity and employee engagement. As compared to the value it brings to the organization, it comes to you at almost no cost. Here are a few proven benefits of coaching:

 – Increased productivity

 – Positive people and culture

 – Return on investment

 – Satisfied clients

 – Highly engaged workforce

 – Innovative and creative culture

Isn’t that the outcome you’re aiming for from most of your efforts? Meeting ICF coaching certification requirements ensures these results.

3. Industry experts with grey hair: Let us remind you of the “reverse mentoring” idea you might already be leveraging in your organization. Young coaches bring the benefit of integrated ideas, approach, and wisdom from two generations. Even if they don’t have industry experience, they bring a fresh perspective. When trained under ICF credentials and standards, these coaches break old mindsets and perceptions.

If you are proactive, you must already be focusing on inside-out approaches. Activities around promoting innovation, creativity, and idea inclusion are essential. It is not just about coaching, but applies to all the methods that bring real inclusion to an organization. Leadership coaching India is advancing rapidly with this philosophy, and embracing these trends will push your leadership to new heights.