6 Ways A Leader Can Develop Talents

Leaders face turbulent situations, diverse personalities, and multiple opportunities all while developing talent. Talent development is the best development and coaching-leaders passionately develop talent and deliver results at the same time.

Powerful conversations are the coaching-leader’s path to remarkable results. Coaching-leaders also focus on developing strengths and maximising capacity. Here are the six core coaching skills – adapted from a book titled Coaching for Engagement – that will help leaders develop talents through engaging conversations.

1. Self-awareness and energy management

Develop awareness of your energy state
Notice the impact of your energy on others
Manage energy before conversations. How are you approaching this conversation?
Monitor and manage energy during conversations. Watch for joy and frustration during powerful conversations

2. Curious questioning

Invite input and expect differing opinions
Seek to understand the values, assumptions, and goals of others
Pursue new ways of seeing by inviting others in

3. Open listening

Remain respectful when others speak. Reject personal assumptions and expectations
Listen for aspiration. What motivates them?
Watch body language and monitor emotions. How do they feel and what does that say about this topic?

4. Appreciative discovery

Look for untapped talents, strengths, and capabilities
Explore new options and opportunities for service
Generate enthusiasm by connecting with aspiration and motivation

5. Catalytic feedback

Talk about what’s working and what’s getting in the way
Set achievable goals and celebrate small wins
Reinforce positive behaviours with praise

6. Heightened engagement

Stay focused on results while building relationships
Define success together, agree on next steps, and how progress will be reviewed
Review progress, identify relevant learning, and celebrate achievement

Surprising strategy

Begin with self-awareness and end with heightened engagement. Approach the six core coaching skills as a sequential trail to a mountain peak. Ask yourself these questions: