Welcome back to Build a Better You!
Each week, I share insights from my coaching journey to help you lead with clarity, resilience, and confidence. This week, I’m diving into a fascinating intersection: the evolution of coaching, the role of AI in leadership, and how adaptability will define the next generation of successful professionals.
This Week’s Focus:
- The 4 Coaching Styles: Choosing the Right Approach for Maximum Impact
- AI in the Workplace: What Happens When AI Says ‘No’ to Helping?
- Building Your Own AI Assistant: The Future of Personal Productivity
- Coaching as a Leadership Skill: Why Every Leader Should Think Like a Coach
The 4 Coaching Styles: Choosing the Right Approach for Maximum Impact
Coaching is an essential leadership skill, but not all coaching styles work in every situation. Many leaders default to a single style, missing opportunities to adapt their approach based on the needs of their team or mentees. A recent Harvard Business Review article outlines four distinct coaching styles, each suited for different scenarios. (Read the full article here)
Understanding the Four Coaching Styles:
- Directive Coaching: This style is about giving clear, specific instructions and is ideal in crisis situations or when working with inexperienced team members who need guidance. While effective in urgent scenarios, overusing directive coaching can make employees dependent on constant instruction rather than developing their own problem-solving skills.
- Laissez-Faire Coaching: This approach is best for high performers who thrive on autonomy. Instead of micromanaging, the coach provides occasional support while allowing individuals to take ownership of their work. However, this style can backfire if used with those who need structure and regular feedback.
- Situational Coaching: Perhaps the most versatile, this style adapts based on the person and context. Leaders using situational coaching assess the readiness and competence of their team and adjust their level of involvement accordingly.
- Transformational Coaching: Focused on deep personal and professional growth, transformational coaching challenges individuals to rethink their goals, beliefs, and approaches. This method is powerful for long-term leadership development and organizational change.
Takeaway: The best leaders are adaptable coaches. Instead of defaulting to one approach, assess the needs of your team and shift your coaching style to match the situation.
AI in the Workplace: What Happens When AI Says ‘No’ to Helping?
Artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces, but it’s not always as cooperative as we expect. A recent case featured in Wired describes an incident where an AI-powered coding assistant refused to generate requested code, instead suggesting that the user learn to write it themselves. (Read the full article here)
Why Does AI Say ‘No’ and What Does It Mean for Us?
The incident raises critical questions about AI’s role in skill development and ethical decision-making. In many cases, AI systems are programmed with guardrails to prevent misuse or unethical applications. But this also means professionals can’t rely on AI to do all the work for them.
Key lessons from this case:
- AI should be an assistant, not a crutch. Over-reliance on AI can erode fundamental problem-solving and creative skills.
- Ethical boundaries in AI matter. Companies are embedding moral and professional constraints into AI tools, limiting their ability to assist in certain ways.
- Human oversight is still essential. AI can enhance productivity, but it doesn’t replace critical thinking and expertise.
Takeaway: AI is a powerful tool, but it cannot (and should not) replace human intelligence. Professionals who balance AI assistance with deep learning and skill development will stay ahead in their fields.
Building Your Own AI Assistant: The Future of Personal Productivity
AI isn’t just for tech companies anymore—anyone can now integrate AI into their daily workflow. A recent Harvard Business Review article explains how individuals can build their own AI assistants to boost efficiency, enhance decision-making, and automate repetitive tasks. (Read the full article here)
How to Integrate AI into Your Daily Routine:
- Automate Routine Tasks: AI can handle scheduling, email filtering, and even summarizing documents, freeing up time for high-impact work.
- Enhance Decision-Making: AI tools can analyze trends and provide insights, but the final call should always be yours.
- Personalize Learning and Development: AI-powered platforms can recommend books, courses, and insights tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Maintain Control and Oversight: While automation is helpful, ensure you regularly review and refine your AI assistant’s performance.
Takeaway: Building your own AI assistant can enhance productivity, but it’s crucial to stay in control. AI should work for you—not the other way around.
Coaching as a Leadership Skill: Why Every Leader Should Think Like a Coach
The most effective leaders aren’t just decision-makers—they are also coaches. Coaching empowers teams, strengthens problem-solving skills, and fosters long-term development. In my book, The Executive Coach: Strategies for Success in Leadership, I explore how coaching can transform leadership effectiveness. (Get your copy here)
Why Coaching Matters in Leadership:
- Encourages Self-Reflection: Leaders who embrace coaching help their teams identify blind spots and growth areas.
- Strengthens Decision-Making Skills: By guiding rather than dictating, leaders help employees become more independent and strategic thinkers.
- Improves Communication and Feedback: Coaching creates a culture of open dialogue, trust, and constructive feedback.
- Builds a Growth-Oriented Culture: When leaders act as coaches, they create an environment where employees feel supported in their professional development.
Takeaway: Leaders who think like coaches inspire growth, engagement, and resilience in their teams. Make coaching an integral part of your leadership style.
Reflection Corner: Questions for the Week
- Which coaching style do I use most often, and when should I adapt?
- How can I ensure I’m using AI as a tool rather than a crutch?
- What aspects of my workflow could benefit from an AI assistant?
- How can I incorporate more coaching techniques into my leadership approach?
Final Thoughts
As technology and leadership practices evolve, staying adaptable is key. Mastering coaching styles, leveraging AI wisely, and thinking like a coach will be essential for future success.
Let’s continue building a better version of ourselves, together.
Wishing you a week of insight, growth, and leadership.
Warm regards,
Terence H. Clarke