Creating a Coaching Culture: Empowering Teams and Evolving as Leaders – Justin Clark & Carson Heady
In a recent interview on Salesman on Fire, Justin Clark and Carson Heady discussed the importance of creating a coaching culture and empowering their teams. They emphasized the need for leaders to be intentional and avoid the urge to be the hero in every situation. Instead, they encourage leaders to push decision-making down to their teams and trust that they have the skills to execute.
One of the most important aspects of creating a coaching culture is to recognize the importance of intentionality. Leaders should recognize that their team members are skilled individuals who can make decisions and should be trusted to do so. The best way to do this is by asking team members what they think before providing an answer. By doing this, team members are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas, which can lead to better decision-making.
Another key aspect of creating a coaching culture is to hire the right people for the right roles. It is not enough to simply hire someone who is like the leader, as this will not lead to a diverse and effective team. Instead, leaders should look for candidates who will fit in with the team and bring different strengths and perspectives. This will create a well-rounded team that can work together effectively.
Leaders should also avoid inserting themselves into every decision and instead be relatively invisible in the day-to-day operations. They should be available for guidance and support, but should not be involved in every decision. This will allow team members to take ownership of their work and develop their skills.
Finally, it is important to evolve as a leader and to learn from experience. As leaders, we should always be looking for ways to improve and to create a better coaching culture. This means being open to new ideas and learning from our successes and failures.
In conclusion, creating a coaching culture is essential for building effective and high-performing teams. By being intentional, hiring the right people, and avoiding the urge to be the hero, leaders can empower their teams to make better decisions and take ownership of their work. By evolving as leaders and continually learning, we can create a culture that fosters growth and success for both individuals and organizations.