How to Coach With Active Listening and Make Massive Breakthroughs

Mike Parsons -

Entrepreneurs, in a world where authoritative leadership often prevails, Michael Bungay Stanier's "The Coaching Habit" introduces a revolutionary approach. This book is a game-changer, advocating for leadership rooted in empathy and effective communication.

The Core: Humility and Servant Leadership

"To lead people, walk beside them." This quote by Lao Tzu encapsulates the essence of "The Coaching Habit": Leadership is about serving, not commanding. It echoes the philosophy of leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft, who prioritizes empathy in his leadership style.

The Art of Asking and Listening

Why Questions Matter

Stanier posits that the caliber of your leadership is reflected in the questions you ask. Steve Jobs famously said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." This is a cornerstone of innovative leadership, much like Jobs' approach at Apple.

The Power of Active Listening

Active listening is a critical component of Stanier's philosophy. Oprah Winfrey, known for her exceptional interviewing skills, once stated, "Leadership is about empathy." This principle is vital in understanding and connecting with your team.

The Uncommon Path in Business

This coaching habit is a rarity in business. In a landscape of rapid decisions and directive leadership, embracing a reflective, question-based approach can set you apart. Jeff Bezos of Amazon once noted, "The smartest people are constantly revising their understanding."

Practical Steps to Implement The Coaching Habit

  1. Start Small: Adopt Elon Musk's inquiry-driven approach at SpaceX and Tesla by encouraging problem-solving through thoughtful questions.
  2. Practice Empathy: Follow in the footsteps of Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who once said, "Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent."
  3. Encourage Autonomy: Emulate Tony Hsieh of Zappos, who empowered his employees to make decisions, reflecting his belief in their capabilities.
  4. Reflect and Adapt: Like Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, be open to evolving your leadership based on feedback and outcomes.

The Outcome: A Thriving Team and Leader

By integrating the principles of "The Coaching Habit," you can cultivate a team culture akin to that of Google under Sundar Pichai's inclusive leadership. As Richard Branson wisely said, "Take care of your employees, and they'll take care of your business."

Final Thoughts

"The Coaching Habit" isn't just a book; it's a guide to transformational leadership. For entrepreneurs seeking to lead with impact and empathy, it's a must-read. Embrace this approach and witness your team soar to new heights of innovation and collaboration. Remember, your power to listen is your most valuable asset in leadership.

Suggested Further Reading on Business Coaching

  1. "Dare to Lead: Brave Work—Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." by Brené Brown - Explore the role of vulnerability and courage in creating an empowering leadership environment.
  2. "Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell" by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle - Delve into the insights and principles from Bill Campbell, one of the most influential business coaches in Silicon Valley.
  3. "Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business, Transforming Lives" by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth - This book provides a comprehensive guide to the co-active coaching model, emphasizing the collaborative and transformative aspects of coaching in a business context.