Let Me Coach You

As a coach, there was even no single day when I have not mentioned the words "leader" and "leadership" such as:

• Who embodies true leadership?
• What characteristics distinguish outstanding leaders?
• Do I meet the criteria of a leader?

While coaching clients, I also consistently contemplate following notions:

• What defines a leader?
• How does one attain essential leadership traits?

Crafting the Perfect Leader

Even amidst the most crucial junctures of my career, I grappled with these questions on a daily basis. During my time as the Director of Business Planning in the previous company, I managed an acquisition and subsequently assumed the leadership of the acquired business unit. At that juncture, my vision of an ideal leader encompassed someone who:

• Clearly defined the vision of the business
• Motivated and guided a diverse team towards shared objectives
• Demonstrated exceptional abilities in accomplishing collective goals

As a complete newcomer to the acquired business, I did not align with any of these criteria. However, this business had been mapping out an expansion trajectory as part of its mid-term strategies. Moreover, with the CEO of the acquired company already planning to step down, an urgent need arose for someone to take on the top position.

Diving In My Challenge

In the realm of business, the former CEO of the acquired business company was a charismatic woman who had built the business from scratch and steered it to success within a decade. Witnessing her leadership firsthand during the handover, as we visited clients and sites together, I came to learn that how the top management had been prominent in this organization, how her methods had worked so well that she could have had succeeded in this business.

Simultaneously learning from her and comparing myself to her leadership style, I came up with the below negative feeling towards my ideal image of a leader, "I can't do what she has been doing as a leader." I tasted defeat right from the start.

There were several other conflicts as well:

• Feeling paranoid that colleagues might question, "Can someone from a strategic planning background actually lead a business?".
• Recognizing that I am suitable for the current role but struggling with the dilemma of having to take on a significantly different position from my original aspirations.
• Employees who had flourished under the charismatic CEO not readily accepting me as their new leader, making me feel like an outsider.
• Feeling inadequate compared to subordinates who possessed greater knowledge about the specialized business.
• Facing ambiguous expectations from superiors such as "You can do it", "Show us change", "Just do well," which left me uncertain about where to begin amidst a rapidly filling schedule.

However, I was determined to tackle these tough challenges because I wanted to prove myself fit for the role. I dived into leadership books while managing the increasing workload that kept coming my way every day.

A Year Passes in Lone Struggle

My superior supported and guided me every step of the way. She explained operations, advised me on who to consult, led discussions, joined meetings with team members, and mentored me by demonstrating what a successful business leader looks like. I truly appreciated her constant help.

Despite her guidance, I found myself pondering:

• How can I develop exceptional skills like my predecessor?
• Should I showcase a leadership style different from the previous leader?
• What was my true purpose in taking on this role?
• Where can I effectively demonstrate my abilities right now?

Despite my reflections, finding answers in business literature has proven elusive, leaving me restless as time passes by.

In my first year as department head, I came to a realization--I had been too self-centered. Amid uncertainties on the ground, with engineers struggling and a looming deadline for new store openings, the managers and store supervisors supported me when performance wavered, understanding the importance of teamwork. Only by recognizing this could I start seeing myself objectively.

If Only I Had Realized Sooner

At first, I was too focused on my own success standards, envisioning myself as a charismatic CEO. I became introspective, thinking deeply about my role. This led to inner conflict as I aimed for personal fulfillment, convinced that my strong leadership would drive business success.

However, when I faced challenges and felt stuck, I realized the importance of looking beyond myself. I understood that breaking out of my comfort zone was crucial. It took time for me to shift my mindset to thinking, "Who can I work with, and how can I lead to ensure the organization's ongoing success? ". Reflecting back, I wonder if grasping this sooner could have accelerated my progress.

You Need a Coach

Facing challenging situations and speaking with executives and managers who are struggling to overcome them, I sometimes notice familiar behaviors that resonate with me:

• Thinking "I have to solve it by myself first", not making progress as time goes by.
• Believing "I know everything" and thinking "I'm already great, so I don't have any problems" without trying new things.
• Struggling with difficult tasks, like trying to climb a cliff without the right tools, facing challenges bravely.

It seems to me that these individuals are unaware of being in such possessions. I feel, "What a waste of possibilities for each individual".

People say that it is a good thing to see clearly from an outside perspective but it is harder to do the same for oneself. To tackle challenges, leaders must refresh their perspectives and adapt their thinking styles. This means taking a step back, evaluating the situation objectively, and embracing new ideas. While reflecting alone is beneficial, partnering with someone can speed up achieving goals. There could be more opportunities than you realize.

If you are the type of leader who prefers to take action independently, reflect on your own, and show your unique leadership style, I would like to be your coach to be your mirror to move forward.

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Language: Japanese