How can you make coaching a priority in your company's leadership development program?

I would take this one step further, and take some time to do a robust environment scan to understand not just where there are deficiencies, but also where deficiencies may arise due to a rapidly changing economy and access to technology. AI and automation are exposing gaps in worker training, but benchmarking against peer institutions (as well as leaning into professional organizations ) can help leaders prevent being caught behind the times.

In my experience, I've seen the most results when coaches were used intentionally for specific audiences at specific points in the learning journey. Look at your current organization and ask yourself, "What are the biggest talent gaps that need to be address, and in what audiences?" Then, consider if internal coaches or external coaches can help the organization address the talent needs.

Ongoing assessment is the key to success in the long run. Leaders who are adaptive and can recognize when the field (or their teams) are changing, and will pivot more quickly and change their programs to respond to key indicators.

More and more companies are employing internal coaches to help with the career development of their employees. Career Coaching is a fantastic investment for both the employer and the employee, but since it isn’t mainstream it’s helpful to review what other companies are doing in this regard. Shopify and Canva are two companies that are leading the way with hiring internal coaches. And they're not just doing this for new employees - this coaching is also for senior employees to rapidly develop their competencies. So if you want to make coaching a priority in your company's leadership development program but you're not sure where to start, I recommend researching other models to understand the approach your company should take.

Making coaching a core part of leadership development is more important than ever given the demands on leaders today. Coaching offers personalized guidance tailored to individual needs, unlocking leaders' full potential, and fosters practical skill application, driving real-world impact and growth. It cultivates a supportive culture, enhancing employee engagement and retention. Additionally, coaching fuels innovation and adaptability, crucial for staying competitive in dynamic markets. With coaching, organizations can identify and nurture future leaders, ensuring continuity and success. In essence, coaching is the cornerstone of effective leadership development, empowering leaders to drive performance, innovation, and organizational growth.