Developing the skills of executives and entrepreneurs has been a constant concern in this century, following on from the last decade of the 20th century, with the focus on individual and collective development as an accelerator of company growth and the maximization of human potential.
In a vortex of change, where collaboration is fundamental and innovation is imperative, Team Coaching or Coaching Teamwork has emerged as an important factor for success, given the myriad of challenges that teams face, from diverse personalities and profiles, to hybrid or remote working dynamics in different geographies and cultures, making it essential for organizations to invest in strategies that improve teamwork and increase productivity.
The decision in 2023, to enter another geography, with a national culture very different from the Portuguese culture, combined with corporate cultures with many expatriates alongside local talent, confronted me with the unexpected; that is, the request to Team and Executive Coaching, but the latter as a complement to the dynamics explored in the Team Coaching, which made me rethink my position in the face of some clients’ challenges and what they needed from their teams.
In fact, Patrick Lencioni’s work was released in 2002, The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: a Leadership Fable, identifies a model, which will later be taken up by Verne Harnish with strategies to address them, as can be seen in the image below, and this model identifies what we can and should work on in the sessions of Team Coaching, in the face of the challenges posed by Coaches.
I believe, however, that the five dysfunctions identified by P Lencioni are exacerbated if we don’t start from principles that we need to base ourselves on, given the new challenges facing different types of teams:
DEI
Nowadays, teams are more diverse than ever, bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives and skill sets, and in a Team Coaching process, before thinking about Diversity and Equity, we need to focus on promoting an inclusive environment, which are indispensable conditions for accepting Diversity as such. Based on these two assumptions, Inclusion and Diversity, we can then set about creating mechanisms for Equity, which is essential for the well-being and growth of people in organizations.
Flexibility and Adaptation
Change is happening at a faster and faster pace, I would say at an unprecedented rate, requiring teams to be agile, flexible and adaptable. Coaches are incorporating agile principles such as iterative planning, continuous feedback and flexible goal setting to help teams navigate uncertainty with confidence. This approach not only increases the team’s ability to respond to challenges, but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
Virtual Teams in the Digital Age
With the increase in remote and hybrid work, Team Coaching has also transcended physical boundaries. Virtual coaching has become a necessity, allowing coaches to connect with teams all over the world. Interactive online platforms, virtual workshops and digital collaboration tools are now an integral part of the coaching process.
Psychological safety and well-being
Creating an environment where team members feel psychologically safe is the cornerstone of a Team Coaching process effective, ensuring that it takes place in complete confidentiality and in accordance with the Code of Ethics accepted and known by the Team members; because only when they feel safe to express their ideas, take risks, and learn from mistakes without fear of judgment, does creativity flourish, and collaboration thrive. Psychological security not only increases individual confidence, but also strengthens the team’s collective intelligence.
Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
In the frenzy of days with busy schedules and intense meetings, staying focused is imperative. In a Team Coaching process, mindfulness techniques and being present should be practiced, which will help team members manage stress, improve concentration and increase general well-being.
As we navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape, Team Coaching continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of teams. Embracing diversity, adopting agile and flexible methodologies, leveraging virtual platforms, prioritizing psychological safety, and integrating attention and knowledge be present and emotional intelligence are key trends that will shape the future of the Team Coaching, to be able to deal with the dysfunctions identified by P Lencioni. Organizations that invest in these progressive approaches to coaching are not only unleashing the full potential of their teams, but are also preparing for sustained success in the dynamic world of work.