The importance of a coaching culture in the workplace

By Lisa Thurkettle, managing director at Pertemps Network Group

Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker, says: “Leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about never giving up and being willing to find them.”

During my leadership journey, a resounding truth has become increasingly clear – a thriving workplace hinges on more than just hiring the right talent. It demands a robust coaching culture.

In today’s world, where having skilled people is crucial for any organisation, being a leader means more than just overseeing things.

It goes beyond the usual ways of managing, requiring an approach that not only helps each person to grow but also pushes the whole team towards success together. That’s where the idea of this culture becomes important.

A coaching culture may sound like just a buzzword, but it’s instilling a culture that supports and encourages the continuous development of colleagues within an organisation.

It’s creating a space where leaders consistently help their team members unlock their true capabilities. It’s not your usual top-down management.

Instead, it’s about working together, empowering everyone and acknowledging the individual strengths each colleague brings to the table.

One of the biggest aspects of it lies in its ability to build a resilient and adaptable workforce. With technology continually changing and shifting market dynamics, adaptability is no longer just a desirable trait, it’s essential for survival.

But to maintain that adaptability it’s important to encourage ongoing learning and development and create an environment where colleagues have the autonomy to try new ideas and learn from those experiences.

Within this approach, leadership shifts away from the traditional hierarchy but focuses on the importance of growing as a team, regardless of individual positions.

It is about understanding that every colleague is a valuable asset with hidden potential. It’s so important when adopting a coaching mindset to spend that time creating personal connections, hearing people’s experiences, providing constructive feedback and recognising their accomplishments.

But it isn’t just about talking the talk, it’s about putting in the effort to build a supportive foundation. This means putting resources into training programmes, mentorship and creating an atmosphere that treasures learning as much as the end results.

It’s about connecting the organisation’s goals with each person’s aspirations and ensuring there are enough resources for everyone to develop their skills

The recruitment market remains competitive and attracting the best talent remains at the forefront. Having the right culture sets you apart, not only by drawing in the top candidates but also by retaining them.

Your colleagues aren’t merely part of a team, they’re essential contributors to a collective vision.

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a dynamic and adaptable framework that evolves with the needs of the workforce. It is a commitment to continuous improvement, unlocking potential and realising that true leadership is not just about leading from the front, but about empowering others to lead from within.