“Congratulations on your promotion! Now what?”
You’ve just been promoted. The champagne’s been popped, the congratulatory emails have flooded in, and you’re riding high on a wave of accomplishment. But as the dust settles, a creeping sense of “now what?” might start to set in. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – and there’s a secret weapon that can help you crush it in your new role: coaching.
Stepping into a new leadership position is like trying to drink from a firehose while juggling flaming torches. It can be exciting, but it’s also a recipe for potential disaster if you’re not prepared. As Positivist Group’s Sandra Bobkin, an ICF certified coach with over 10,000 coaching hours under her belt, puts it:
“The transition from individual contributor to manager or executive is very challenging. Coaching specifically improves the performance and success rate of new managers or executives during this critical transition by supporting clients in developing skills and, more importantly, expanding their mindset and decision-making abilities.”
And boy, do we need that support. Nearly 40% of new managers crash and burn within their first 18 months. And it’s not because they’re not talented or skilled. It’s often because they’re thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. That’s where coaching comes in, acting as your personal leadership flotation device.
Coaching isn’t just for C-suite execs or struggling employees. Sandra explains:
“Coaching is powerful because it’s a focused conversation and a partnership. The goal is the client’s goal, not the coach’s agenda. This makes it very impactful for the client because they are working on what they need to work on.”
And the stats back this up. A whopping 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% see improvements in work performance, relationships, and communication skills.
But it’s not just about the person being coached – your organization stands to gain big time too. We’re talking a mind-blowing 529% return on investment for companies that provide coaching to their leaders. That’s not a typo – 529%! Plus, employees who have access to professional development opportunities like coaching are 40% more likely to stick around. In a world where replacing a high-level employee can cost up to 213% of their salary, that’s some serious coin saved.
Let’s talk about the secret sauce of great leadership: emotional intelligence (EQ). Sandra emphasizes its importance:
“Coaching supports clients in developing emotional intelligence, which is crucial for leading teams and building relationships. It helps expand thinking from inward to outward – from focusing on yourself to considering your team, peers, and the broader organization.”
And she’s spot on. Studies show that EQ is responsible for 58% of a leader’s job performance, and a whopping 90% of top performers have high EQ. But here’s the cool part – EQ isn’t something you’re born with. It can be developed, and coaching is like a personal trainer for your emotional muscles.
As you climb the leadership ladder, you need to flex those strategic thinking muscles. Sandra explains:
“As people move up, strategic planning becomes crucial. While coaches don’t teach strategic thinking directly, they can support developing a strategic mindset – helping you expand your thinking and focus on the bigger picture.”
And let me tell you, that strategic thinking pays off. Leaders who excel in this area are 40% more likely to get promoted to even higher roles.
Now, here’s the real kicker. Coaching isn’t just about tackling immediate challenges. As Sandra points out:
“Coaching is present-focused but also future-oriented. It’s about what you learn about the situation at hand, but also what you learn about yourself, your leadership style, and how to be more effective in the long run.”
So, what’s the bottom line? Whether you’re a fresh-faced first-time manager or a seasoned pro taking on a new executive role, coaching is your secret weapon for success. It’s not a luxury – it’s a necessity. It’s the difference between stumbling through your new responsibilities and absolutely crushing them.
Remember, your promotion isn’t the finish line – it’s the starting gun. Give yourself the best possible chance of success by investing in coaching. Your future self (and your organization) will thank you.
As Sandra so eloquently puts it:
“Coaching can be life-changing. Clients often come back and say, ‘You changed my life,’ or ‘I’ve been able to advance in my career,’ or ‘I’ve learned so much about myself. Now I’m better prepared and more confident in the working world.'”
So, the next time someone in your organization gets promoted, don’t just pop the champagne. Give them the real tools they need to succeed. Invest in coaching – because leadership might be a journey, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy first-class support along the way.
Contact us to learn how the Positivist Group team can help your values-driven organization with coaching solutions.
Visit positivist.ca/contact or email Erin at erin@positivist.ca.
