Chapter 5: Coaching for Leader Development

Coaching, as a strategy for leader development, has grown tremendously in popularity over the last few decades. Yet, the word “coach” can elicit memories and associations with sports—someone with a whistle around their neck. As coaching gains momentum as a leader development tool, differing ideas exist about what coaching is and how it can be used. This chapter explores what coaching is, particularly in leader development, how coaching can be implemented as a leader development strategy, and evidence of how coaching can move the needle differently regarding such development. Finally, resources for those interested in gaining coaching skills are provided.