“Great leaders don’t just lead; they lift others up, providing support and encouragement along the way.” – Simon Sinek

Support is an often underestimated yet vital skill in the arsenal of a successful leader and coach. Before we delve into the multifaceted nature of this skill, let’s establish a clear definition. Support, in the context of leadership and coaching, can be defined as the provision of emotional, psychological, and practical assistance to individuals or teams in their pursuit of personal or professional growth. It is the act of offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and a guiding presence. (Source: Adapted from Cambridge Dictionary)

In this article, we will explore the profound impact of support through five chapters. We will begin by examining how support has played a pivotal role in my personal life, showcasing its transformative power. Then, we will delve into the indispensable nature of support as a skill and how it benefits my clients when applied in a coaching context. We will also discuss how I have employed supporting skills in leadership positions. Next, you’ll discover some valuable tips and tricks for cultivating this skill, ensuring it becomes a cornerstone of your leadership and coaching journey. Lastly, we will conclude by emphasizing the paramount importance of support, not only in our lives but especially in the realms of coaching and leadership.

💡 How Support Helped Me

My journey with the concept of support has been powerful and transformative. From a young age, I associated my self-worth with my ability to excel in various aspects of life, whether it was academics or work. The fear of making mistakes and the relentless pursuit of perfection became a constant source of stress.

However, through therapy and coaching, I mustered the courage to confront this fear. I dared to ask my loved ones a critical question: “What will you think of me if I fail?” The responses I received were filled with love, encouragement, and unwavering support. It was a revelation that I didn’t have to be perfect to be loved and appreciated.

Yet, despite knowing that I was supported, moments of self-doubt and the quest for perfection still occasionally crept into my mind. One such instance occurred during a coaching training session when I made mistakes during a demo. Instead of chastising myself, I was met with understanding and encouragement from my mentor. It was another reminder of the power of support in fostering growth and resilience.

💡 Support as an Essential Coaching Skill

As a coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of support on my clients. When individuals feel supported, they find the courage to open up about their challenges, fears, and insecurities. This safe space allows them to confront their inner demons and take courageous steps toward personal growth.

Here are some testimonials from my clients:

• “In the coaching sessions, I felt actively listened to, understood and free to express my feelings and experiences towards the process and towards the new version that we were building together. In addition to respect and space to develop, I felt enormous support and motivation to introduce new methods, to answer some perhaps uncomfortable but necessary questions, and to embrace the different stages of the process.”
• “The coaching style was warm, friendly and open. I felt provoked, out of my comfort zone but safe and full of trust. I would definitely recommend Ioana.”
• “Ioana helped me to feel that I can express any thought without having the feeling that I could say something wrong. In addition, even when I couldn’t put into words what I was feeling, she had the subtle ability to guide me in verbalizing what I was feeling. Ioana became like a mirror, I felt that I was talking to myself from the future many times when she asked me questions that I avoided asking myself because, in myself, I thought that I would not have been able to find them answer. In front of her, however, no answer was wrong, so I allowed myself to voice the thoughts repressed in the past.”

These testimonials illustrate how support empowers individuals to embrace change and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Supporting Skills as a Leader

In leadership, support is equally crucial. By providing support to my team, especially during challenging times, as a leader, I built trust and encouraged courageous actions.

One notable experience as a leader involved a team member I believed was deserving of a promotion. Despite my conviction, top management initially denied the proposal due to some knowledge gaps. I engaged in an open conversation with my colleague, outlining the role’s expectations and areas of improvement.

To bridge the knowledge gap, I assigned her to a project where she could apply her learning and also enrolled her in relevant training. However, a critical moment arose when she struggled to provide constructive feedback to a mentee. We explored this situation together, and I offered guidance on effective communication and feedback.

With my unwavering support, she not only overcame her challenges but also emerged as a leader before officially obtaining the title. Her journey underscores how support can lead to exceptional individual and team performance.

💡Tips & Tricks to Improve Support Skills

Support is a skill that can be cultivated and refined over time.

Here are some practical tips and tricks to enhance your support abilities:

• Active Listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying, and show empathy by acknowledging their emotions.
• Create a Safe Space: Foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that is specific, actionable, and growth-oriented.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate support through your actions, inspiring others to do the same.
• Continuous Learning: Keep improving your coaching and leadership skills to better support those you lead and guide.

🌟The Crucial Role of Support

In conclusion, support is not just a soft skill; it is the bedrock upon which successful coaching and leadership are built. It transforms lives by instilling courage, resilience, and self-belief. Whether in our personal journeys or professional endeavors, the power of support cannot be overstated. As leaders and coaches, it is our responsibility to uplift others, providing the invaluable assistance they need to thrive. Remember the words of Simon Sinek: “Great leaders don’t just lead; they lift others up, providing support and encouragement along the way.” Embrace the skill of offering support, and watch as it elevates not only those you lead but also your own path to success.

If you want to dig more into perfecting your leadership style while being part of a supportive environment, join the 3 months Authenticity in Leadership program.