Unlocking Leadership: Kristofer O'Brien on How Coaching Can Transform Your Team

The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

Guest Bio:

As the Director of Global Talent Management, Kristofer O’Brien is an executive coach, management consultant, talent partner, sits on the Enterprise Learning Council and seasoned team leader with over 20 years of experience. He leverages his expertise in creating environments that foster superior performance to empower leaders to believe that everyone can make a difference in both their professional and personal lives.

Kristofer oversees the deployment of leadership development programs, leads change management efforts, and promotes a culture of innovation. He is committed to helping his clients and partners explore opportunities for greater success and accountability in achieving their goals.

With a background in consulting, medical technology, healthcare, hospitality, and retail services, Kristofer brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and coaching experience to his clients. As a tenured leader in Global Talent Management and Development, he is certified in numerous learning platforms and has delivered professional development programs worldwide. Kristofer is well-equipped to guide his clients and partners into the next decade of growth and opportunity in an uncertain world.

Kristofer's extensive experience with companies ranging from Fortune 50 giants to startups and nonprofits enables him to tailor his coaching to clients at any career stage. His clientele includes individuals at all organizational levels, from C-Suite executives to new managers. Over his career, he has successfully coached hundreds of leaders from a wide array of disciplines within organizations.

Show Notes:

Leaders, listen up! Today, we’re diving into the crucial art of coaching your team rather than just managing them. It’s all about tapping into the hearts and minds of your employees, encouraging them to take chances and learn from their experiences. We chat with Christopher O’Brien, who brings some serious insight into how leaders can transition from simply getting the job done to fostering a culture of growth and problem-solving. He emphasizes that coaching isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer for building high-performing teams. So, if you’re ready to step up your leadership game and discover the power of asking the right questions, stick around!

The importance of coaching in leadership cannot be overstated. Kristofer O’Brien accentuates how coaching is not just an added bonus, but a necessary skill for leaders in today’s fast-paced work environment. The discussion navigates through the challenges leaders face when transitioning from a doer to a coach. Kristofer shares relatable anecdotes from his own career, illustrating how early coaching experiences laid the foundation for his current role. He emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, encouraging leaders to step back, ask questions, and allow their teams to explore solutions independently. This episode is packed with actionable insights, urging leaders to be more intentional with their coaching practices. As the conversation flows, there’s a genuine sense of camaraderie, making it clear that coaching is a journey best traveled together.

Takeaways:

• Leaders need to tap into the hearts of their employees to foster growth and learning.
• It's not just about doing the job; leaders must encourage teams to think critically and solve problems.
• Being a coach-like leader involves asking your team for their thoughts and insights, not just directing them.
• Creating a safe space for leaders to practice coaching can significantly enhance their effectiveness and team dynamics.
• Intentional coaching helps develop future leaders, ensuring a strong succession plan for the organization.
• Leaders should focus on asking better questions instead of jumping in to solve problems, fostering confidence in their teams.

Links for today's show:

• Kristofer's Linked In Page
• Kent's Linked In Page
• Promoted Leader Playbook

Credits:

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**

*Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com