“The coaching program helped me realize that better solutions often emerge when I facilitate others’ reflection rather than trying to provide the answers myself.”

The power of teams

In modern organizations, more decisions are delegated to teams because they are closest to the customer. In this environment, curiosity and clear communication are essential for succeeding together.

Once goals and the team’s scope for action are clear, the role of the leader is to create the conditions for the team to take ownership. A coaching leadership approach becomes a key capability in helping teams find their own way forward. Leaders need to strengthen their “curiosity muscle” — learning to ask the kinds of questions that unlock the competence, experience and problem-solving capacity within the team.

An honest realization

Despite her extensive experience, Gerd admits that shifting towards a more coaching-oriented leadership style required her to further develop her own leadership.

“If I’m being honest, I’m someone who likes to come up with the answers,” she says with a smile.

For many engaged leaders, patience is one of the most difficult disciplines to master. Gerd acknowledges that it can be challenging to hold back when you can already see a solution yourself. At the same time, she emphasizes that the value of waiting is significant.

“You need to give people the trust and the time to think for themselves — and resist the temptation to think, ‘Ok, that was a good question, but I’ll give them the answer anyway.’”

Her advice to other leaders is clear:

“Stay with it. Be open to perspectives that are very different from your own. Trust that your colleague or your team will find their way to the goal. That is when ownership and learning truly happen, and when the diversity within the team becomes a strength. The result is often far better than what you might have come up with alone.”

Becoming certified

Gerd was introduced to the program by a colleague who recommended it highly, describing Toril as one of the best coaches in Norway. For Gerd, it was important that the program was not only theoretical, but strongly rooted in practical training.

“You don’t become a good coach without practice. You have to step into it and work with real coaching exercises. Toril creates a safe learning environment where we continuously receive feedback on what we can improve.”

After completing the program and passing the oral exam with distinction, Gerd is now in the final phase of completing her 100 coaching hours — the final requirement to become an ACC-certified coach through the International Coaching Federation.

Value from day one

The impact of the program became clear almost immediately. Gerd explains that she has been able to apply the tools directly in her work with change management and team development.

“I’ve benefited from it from day one. It has been incredibly useful when working through complex challenges and supporting teams and colleagues through change. It supports the development of both you as a leader and your team.”

Coaching is one of several communication styles leaders need to master. Being aware of which communication styles you handle well — and which ones you need to develop further — makes you a more effective leader. Developing a strong coaching approach is increasingly essential for leadership today. Coaching is a powerful tool, but like any leadership capability, it requires practice to master.

This article has been translated from Norwegian to make it available to a wider audience. Quotes and expressions may not be word-for-word, but we have sought to preserve the meaning.

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