7 Types of Business Coaching Styles
In the world of business management, coaching is emerging as a highly lucrative niche.
In this article, we go over seven coaching styles that take professionals to the next level.
If you’re interested in breaking into coaching but are unsure about which style to adopt, this article is for you.
Types of Business Coaching Styles
There are seven different types of business coaching styles: democratic, visionary, laissez-faire, holistic, autocratic, developmental, group, and transformational.
1. Democratic Coaching
Democratic coaching is a type of leadership that focuses on the collective insights of the team, fostering an environment where every voice is valued.
It relies on the principle of collaborative decision-making, where input from team members is requested and taken into serious consideration before making a final decision.
This often leads to higher levels of engagement as team members feel their opinions are respected, which in turn helps with team dynamics and loyalty.
2. Vision Coaching Style
Vision coaching is about setting a clear and ambitious direction for the future, which serves as a guiding light to help motivate and unite the team to work toward a common goal.
This approach is best for leaders who are looking to inspire their teams by painting a clear picture of the potential that lies ahead.
It's a style that stands on the idea that when people are brought together by a shared vision, they show higher levels of commitment and enthusiasm.
While the style is highly motivating, it requires a coach with charisma and clarity of purpose to articulate and instill the vision in the client or team.
By incorporating a vision coaching style, coaches can steer their clients not just to meet target goals but to re-imagine the boundaries of what's possible, fostering an environment where exceptional performance is the norm, not the exception.
3. Laissez-Faire Coaching Style
Laissez-faire coaching is more of a hands-off approach and relies heavily on trust and autonomy.
This coaching style gives clients and teams the chance to showcase their initiative and gives them more room to explore their potential without being weighed down by constant monitoring.
Coaches and leaders who adopt this style are seen as enablers rather than micromanagers, providing resources and support from the sidelines while their teams take center stage.
While the freedom associated with the laissez-faire approach can yield undeniable innovation and personal development, it isn’t a coaching style that works for everyone.
Keep in mind that clients seek out coaches for guidance and development, and the laissez-faire style may be antithetical to that.
4. Holistic Coaching Style
Holistic coaching is an all-around approach that extends beyond the workspace to consider the comprehensive well-being of the individual.
This coaching style pairs professional growth with personal development, which serves to nurture both the client’s career and their personal life.
This coaching style subscribes to the idea that a fulfilled person performs better, as happiness and contentment in their personal life spill over into professional effectiveness.
5. Autocratic Coaching
Autocratic coaching is a more classic approach to coaching and works on a command-and-control framework.
This is a style that prioritizes decision-making and streamlines execution.
This coaching style is efficient, particularly in scenarios demanding quick action and definitive leadership.
An autocratic coach operates with certainty, providing clear directions and expecting prompt compliance, thereby eliminating ambiguity and potential indecision.
While some may say that autocracy stifles creativity, there is no denying the fact that this style is necessary in certain situations.
For clients that lack clear direction in their lives or are dealing with a lot of chaos, this coaching style can really help them bring their lives back on track.
6. Developmental Coaching Style
Developmental coaching is synonymous with growth; it's an approach that fosters an environment where continuous improvement is part of the program.
By focusing on developing individual skills, competencies, and mindsets, this coaching style helps clients climb their own personal ladder of success.
The foundation of developmental coaching is that potential is limitless, and investing in personal growth pays off exponentially in the long run.
7. Group Coaching Style
If you’re interested in providing group coaching, then this might be the best style for you.
Group coaching works by taking the collective energy, insights, and experiences of a team and putting them all together for individual and collective growth.
This interactive style provides a platform for peers to learn from each other, which helps push progress that individual coaching might take longer to achieve.
A strong support system provided by the group setting helps with the long-term sustainability of the habits that your clients are looking to develop.
Not only that, but the mix of professionals in the group helps provide more creative approaches that you would not typically achieve with an individual coaching setup.
Wrapping Up: Types of Business Coaching Styles
Whether your client needs more directive leadership or thrives on collaborative learning, there is a coaching style that will help them realize their potential.
Here are 7 coaching styles that will help you navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving world of business:
Democratic Coaching
Vision Coaching Style
Laissez-Faire Coaching Style
Holistic Coaching Style
Autocratic Coaching
Developmental Coaching
Group Coaching
Remember, effective coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires adaptability and an understanding of each individual's needs.
