Question

How does the concept of ‘Leader as Coach’ reflect certain of the concepts in Leadership in a Team Environment ?

Answer 1

A leader is one who positively influences a team towards a targeted goal in a designed pathway. He is supposed to lead them and not boss them around. Good and effective leaders are not born but made. It is through their learning, practise and experience good leaders are made. They acquire skills through continuous hardwork and self learning.

In a team a leader is supposed and expected to be a coach in many aspects. He not only leads the team but coaches them to perfection. Along with his knowledge and skills ,his character, values and ethics will talk a lot about him. He has to ensure the following in a team to be a good leader as well as a good coach.

1. An effective and efficient leader will first build trust in the minds of the team members. Only when they believe him will they work under his guidance. He should be honest and trustworthy.

2. A coach will clearly analyse and understand every individual in a team on humane basis. So should be a leader. He should study every individual in his team and know their strengths and weakness. He can build on their strength whenever situation arise

3. He should be a good motivator and communicator. His message should be unambiguous and clearly conveyed.

4. Decision making is a very important criteria while leading a team. A constant methid will not work out for every situation. Decision should be made according to the issue and judgment should not be partial at any cost.

5. As a leader coach he should maintain a good and healthy relationship with every individual in a team. He should convey both right and wrong things of their deeds.

6. Training and motivation sessions should be organised for the team. They would get refreshed after a long run of work.