The Founders Catalyst

Episode 013: Leading with Coaching: How to Develop People, Drive Growth, and Build Better Teams

Steve Mellor and Lee Povey Episode 13

In this episode of Founders Catalyst, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey dive deep into the power of coaching as a leadership style. They explore why the best leaders take a coaching approach, how it fosters ownership and growth, and why adaptability and self-awareness are critical leadership traits.

Steve and Lee also discuss the challenges leaders face when shifting from managing to coaching, the importance of curiosity in leadership, and how to empower individuals to take responsibility for their own development.

Key Takeaways:

  •  It falls under the broader umbrella of leadership and is a powerful tool for developing people.
  • Coaching is about supporting individuals in becoming the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally.
  •  Effective coaching starts with intentional curiosity—asking the right questions to understand an individual’s goals, emotions, and roadblocks.
  •  Leaders must resist the urge to dictate outcomes and instead create space for individuals to discover their own paths.
  •  Investing in building relationships and understanding people deeply at the start leads to long-term benefits and less effort required later.
  • The best leaders are chameleons who adjust their style to meet the needs of their team rather than expecting people to conform to them.
  •  When employees take responsibility for their own growth, they become more engaged, motivated, and productive.
  • The difference between a manager and a leader is that a leader takes responsibility for developing those around them.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Recommended reading: 10x is Easier Than 2x (on shifting to high-impact leadership and scaling effectively)

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