By Rich Douglas
Executive Director, Human Capital Lab
Most problems leaders face are “technical” ones—simple to complicated with known solutions. This is the crux of management. But then there’s VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. And when are things not VUCA? Real strategic leadership is situated in VUCA, with leaders faced with heading into the unknown. It’s during these trying times that having a coach can really help.
Coaches are trained professionals, working as partners with their clients toward success. They ask questions, provide frameworks for analyzing situations, challenge assumptions, probe deeply into situations and much more. Coaches within a leadership development program can reinforce learning, help participants transfer their learning into performance and help address just about anything else that comes up in the client’s life. Outside of a formal leadership development program, coaches can still partner with their clients as they navigate through challenges and opportunities, especially the ones located in VUCA.
Coaches can specialize in many areas, including career coaching, wellness, physical fitness, and yes, leadership. Coaches certified by the International Coaching Federation are highly trained and experienced in helping their clients reach new heights of success. The more uncertain the future is, the more value you’ll get from bringing in coaches to work with your strategic leaders for organizational success.