The Coaching Leadership Style (CLS)

Leadership is both a concept and practice that involves several criteria including individual characteristics, communication skills, decision-making, and relationship with subordinates. There are a variety of leadership styles that exist today. Some of these styles concentrate on the hierarchy and power of the position, while yet others focus more on the relationship to followers to achieve results. One such leadership style is the coaching leadership style (CLS). This chapter provides an in-depth understanding of CLS including its origins, characteristics, necessary skills, and connections. Related and opposing leadership styles are also discussed for enhanced content of the approach. Both an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of applying a coaching leadership style, and how one learns to be an effective coaching leader is provided. Further discussion on effective situations and follower readiness for CLS is also given. This chapter concludes with a final look at four practicing coaching leaders and what we can learn from their examples.