From King to Coach
Alex Pollock
April 14, 2014
“What we’re seeing now is really the official transition from the “king” style of leadership to the “coach” style of leadership….Now it’s not the top person, it’s the team that’s important.” While the article did not define these terms for the readers, each of us may be able to relate to these concepts in terms of our own experiences with different leadership styles.
While the image of a king conjures up the image of an organizational “face” with the potential for absolute authority, it may also be seen at the other extreme as a mere figurehead status. The idea of a “coach”, on the other hand, is likely to evoke an image of someone with a more personal, “hands on” impact in the areas of training, goal-setting and total team performance.
In his book “Smart Leaders, Smarter Teams”, Roger Schwarz outlines his research into the values and assumptions that are present in effective teams and the essential role that leaders play in creating this culture. Schwarzexplores in a forthright manner the “power of compassion” and advocates for this “emotional glue” that bonds team values. Indeed, the ideal leader appears to be much more of a “coach” than a “king" because when leaders operate with compassion, they:
- Are transparent in sharing thoughts and ideas and remain open and flexible to feedback
- Are curious and desire to appreciate situations from the perspective of others
- See informed choice as a way of gaining great commitment and respecting others
- Hold others accountable to honor commitments and demonstrate confidence
What has been your experience with these styles? What has delivered the most short and long term success? Under which style have you thrived?
Topics:
Leadership & Careers
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About the Author
Alex Pollock
Alex Pollock has been studying leadership effectiveness for more than 30 years. A former leader in environment, health and safety, and public affairs at The Dow Chemical Co., he learned that we all have leadership roles to play. He enjoys discussing new ideas and sharing practical ways we can all become better leaders.