How Leaders Can Build a High-Performance Culture Through Coaching

The well-known quote by the late Peter Drucker remains as relevant today as when it was first spoken:

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

While many organisations acknowledge the importance of culture, far too few take proactive steps to build and measure it effectively.

A quick search of 'key challenges facing CEOs' consistently highlights two major concerns: attracting and retaining talent, and developing future leaders. These are no small tasks. According to research from The Hay Group, 30% of the difference in team performance is attributed to the climate – or culture – they operate in. And who holds the greatest responsibility for creating this performance-driven culture? The answer is simple: leaders.

How Can Leaders Create a Performance Culture?

Consider the Performance Curve

In the latest edition of Coaching for Performance by Sir John Whitmore, a model called the Performance Curve is introduced. This model outlines four stages of performance, each characterised by a distinct culture:

1. Stage 1: Impulsive – "Whatever happens, happens."
2. Stage 2: Dependent – "I follow the rules and do what I am told."
3. Stage 3: Independent – "I am a high performer."
4. Stage 4: Interdependent – "We are truly successful together."

Whitmore delves into how leadership styles impact each stage and explores how leaders can guide their teams from Stage 1 to Stage 4, building a high-performance culture through one essential leadership skill: coaching.

The Focus and Evolution of a Coaching Culture

Coaching plays a critical role in shifting mindsets as leaders guide their teams through each stage of the Performance Curve. Here's an overview of how coaching evolves at each stage:

• Stage 1: Coaching focuses on raising awareness and encouraging personal responsibility.
• Stage 2: Coaching empowers team members and supports them in taking ownership.
• Stage 3: Coaching broadens an employee’s perspective and fosters collaboration.
• Stage 4: Coaching transitions to team-level coaching, promoting collective performance.

You may have heard discussions about the importance of creating a 'coaching culture' within organisations, but it is less widely known that a coaching leadership style is the key enabler of a high-performance culture. The reason? Coaching fundamentally shifts mindsets toward interdependence.

For those familiar with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, the concept of independence versus interdependence will be clear. Covey highlighted that when anyone, regardless of their role, moves from an independent to an interdependent way of working, they step into a leadership position.

For leaders, the opportunity is significant. By embracing coaching as a core leadership skill, they can not only develop individual skills but also foster a culture of high performance through mindset transformation.

Questions to Consider

This raises several important questions:

1. What is the level of coaching competence within organisations?
2. Are leaders skilled enough in coaching to shift employee mindsets?
3. How are organisations measuring their culture?
4. Why aren’t more organisations actively measuring culture?
   
   

Conclusion

To sustain consistent growth, organisations must build a culture that drives high performance. According to Sir John Whitmore’s research, coaching is the critical leadership skill that enables this transformation. If you’re uncertain about the coaching capabilities of leaders and managers within your organisation, now may be the time to assess and develop this essential skill.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

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