Why team coaching isn't just for coaches

Team coaching has traditionally been associated with professional coaches, but its benefits extend far beyond this group. For leaders, managers and HR professionals, team coaching skills offer a powerful toolkit to navigate complex dynamics, foster collaboration and drive high performance within teams.

The shift from command and control to collaborative leadership

The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional "command and control" leadership styles are giving way to a more collaborative approach, where leadership is distributed across teams rather than concentrated in a single individual. This shift reflects the growing recognition that diverse perspectives and collective decision-making are essential for tackling the complexity of modern organisations. Leadership teams are increasingly seen as the engine of organisational success, capable of responding with agility and creativity to fast-moving challenges.

Teams as drivers of value and transformation

Teams are uniquely positioned to create value and lead organisational transformation, especially in a world that is exceptionally complex and fast-paced. When teams are aligned and functioning effectively, they become powerful vehicles for innovation, problem-solving and delivering mission-critical outcomes. However, ineffective collaboration can severely hinder progress.

According to Atlassian's The State of Teams 2024 report, the Fortune 500 loses an estimated 25 billion work hours annually due to poor collaboration. This highlights the urgent need to equip teams with the tools and skills to work smarter, not harder.

The rising importance of teamwork

In today's workplace, teams are the engine of productivity and innovation. Yet, many organisations struggle with underperforming teams due to unclear objectives, interpersonal conflicts, or misaligned priorities.

Leaders who possess team coaching skills can address these challenges head-on, creating environments where teams thrive. Unlike traditional management approaches, team coaching emphasises co-creating solutions, encouraging shared accountability and aligning team goals with organisational purpose.

Addressing the challenges facing teams

The research from Atlassian also reveals some of the reasons why many teams fall short of their potential:

• Disjointed goals: 64% of knowledge workers feel their teams are constantly pulled in too many directions and 70% agree progress would be easier with fewer, more specific goals.

• Overwhelmed by notifications and meetings: In organisations with poor meeting cultures, employees spend 50% more time in unnecessary meetings than making progress on top priorities.

• Struggling to share information: Over half of knowledge workers (55%) find it hard to locate information and 50% have unknowingly duplicated efforts because of poor communication across teams.

These challenges stress the need for leaders and managers to adopt team coaching practices that help teams clarify their focus, improve collaboration and streamline how they work.

Enhancing leadership effectiveness

For leaders and managers, adopting a more general coaching approach can transform the way they engage with their teams. By focusing on listening, questioning and facilitating rather than directing, they empower team members to contribute more effectively. This shift can lead to better decision-making, greater ownership of outcomes and stronger team cohesion. Leaders with team coaching skills are even better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances, foster psychological safety and inspire trust - qualities essential for navigating complexity and driving results.

HR and L&D professionals: building a coaching culture

For HR and L&D professionals, understanding team coaching is invaluable for promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. By embedding team coaching practices into organisational processes, these professionals can help create systems where teams are empowered to identify and solve their own challenges. This not only improves team performance but also contributes to long-term employee engagement and retention by cultivating an environment of growth and learning.

Benefits for founders and entrepreneurs

For founders and leaders of smaller or medium sized businesses, team coaching skills are an asset that can set their organisations apart. In fast-moving environments where teams often wear multiple hats, these skills can help maintain alignment and momentum. Founders of small start-ups who function as team coaches can harness the collective intelligence of their teams, ensuring that innovative ideas are surfaced and executed effectively.

A pathway to develop team coaching skills

Recognising the growing need for team coaching expertise, the AoEC offers programmes like the Systemic Team Coaching® Certificate (Practitioner) and the Team Coaching Fundamentals Certificate. These courses are designed for individuals who may not see themselves as traditional coaches but want to deepen their ability to support team success. The team coach training equips participants with tools to understand team dynamics, improve collaboration and lead with a systemic perspective that considers both internal and external factors influencing team performance.

Why team coaching matters for everyone

Team coaching is about unlocking potential - not just within individuals but within the collective energy, resourcefulness and capabilities of the team. For anyone in a leadership or organisational role, learning these skills is not just a professional advantage; it’s an essential part of navigating the modern workplace. By building your expertise in team coaching, you’re investing in a skill set that can transform how you lead, manage and collaborate - helping your teams and organisation achieve sustainable success.