The Power of Coaching Presence

Incorporating coaching skills into leadership practice is more than asking powerful questions or offering feedback—it’s about being fully present. Coaching presence is one of the core competencies for professionally trained coaches (International Coaching Federation – ICF) and is one of the most transformative skills a leader can adopt. It goes beyond communication or decision-making; it’s about the way a leader shows up and connects with their team on a deeper level.

So, what is coaching presence? It’s the ability to be fully engaged and focused, creating a space where others feel heard, valued, and supported. When leaders cultivate this presence, they foster an environment that promotes trust, authenticity, and collaboration.

We recently spent two days with a cohort of learners for a client who is committed to building a coaching culture in the organization and has taken the further step of offering professional coach training to some leaders. While the program explores all ICF Core Competencies, presence is particularly important for managers and leaders who would like to incorporate coaching skills into their practice.

Why Coaching Presence Matters for Leaders

1. Creating Trust and Psychological Safety: One of the hallmarks of an effective leader is their ability to build trust. A leader with coaching presence shows up authentically and without judgment. This encourages team members to open up, share ideas, and discuss challenges without fear of reprimand. By being present, leaders create a psychologically safe environment, enabling innovation and constructive dialogue.
2. Empowering Decision-Making: Leaders often feel compelled to solve problems for their team, but coaching presence encourages a different approach. By staying present and asking open-ended questions, leaders empower their team to find their own solutions. This not only builds team capacity but also instills confidence in decision-making, leading to a more empowered workforce.
3. Strengthening Emotional Connections: Emotional intelligence plays a key role in effective leadership, and coaching presence enhances it by tuning leaders into the emotions and perspectives of others. This deepened awareness helps leaders navigate difficult conversations with empathy, making their teams feel understood and supported, even during challenging times.

How Leaders Can Develop Coaching Presence

1. Be Mindfully Present: Coaching presence begins with mindfulness. Leaders need to actively listen, not just to the words spoken, but to the emotions and intentions behind them. Being fully engaged in the moment allows leaders to pick up on nuances that might otherwise be missed.
2. Embrace Curiosity: Leaders who practice coaching presence stay curious rather than jumping to conclusions or solutions. This creates space for others to explore their own thoughts and insights. Asking “What else?” or “How do you feel about this?” invites deeper reflection and ownership.
3. Stay Grounded and Open: A leader with strong coaching presence doesn’t get easily derailed by tension or discomfort in a conversation. They stay grounded, maintaining an open and calm demeanor, which helps to de-escalate potential conflicts and maintain a productive dialogue.

Coaching Presence and Leadership Growth

Leaders who adopt coaching presence find that their teams become more engaged, innovative, and self-reliant. The ripple effect is profound: as team members feel more heard and empowered, overall team performance improves. Incorporating coaching presence into leadership practice also builds stronger emotional connections, leading to higher levels of trust and collaboration.

Interested in Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level?

If you’re ready to enhance your leadership practice by incorporating coaching skills like coaching presence, consider enrolling in our “Coaching in the Workplace” program. This dynamic, interactive program equips you with the tools you need to refine your management style while working alongside peers.

Next cohort begins early 2025 - 10 Monthly 90-minute sessions - Complementary Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI) assessment included.

For leaders looking to enhance communication, foster trust, and create empowered teams, “Coaching in the Workplace” provides the perfect opportunity to build a more impactful leadership presence.

Don’t miss out—sign up today and transform the way you lead.