As a senior manager, you understand the importance of continually developing your skills and knowledge to maintain your competitive edge. One area that you may not have explored is systemic coaching, a powerful approach to coaching that focuses on the interconnectedness of systems and the impact they have on individuals and organizations.

What Is Systemic Coaching?

Leadership researcher Peter Hawkins, Ph.D., argues that a new model of coaching is needed “to step up to deliver value to all the stakeholders of the coachee, including those they lead, colleagues, investors, customers, partners, their local community, and also the wider ecology”.

That’s where systemic coaching comes in. Systemic coaching is a coaching approach that recognizes that individuals are part of larger systems, such as organizations, teams, families, and communities. Systemic coaches work with their clients to understand the impact these systems have on their behavior and the behavior of others, and to identify opportunities for growth and development within these systems.

A systemic business coach, for example, helps executives to see how different parts of the organization are interconnected, and how changes in one area of the system can have an impact on the organization as a whole. This type of coach helps leaders understand how to create a healthy, successful, and sustainable organization by taking a systemic approach to leadership and problem-solving.

A systemic business coach, such as myself, may help executives in a variety of ways, including:

1. Identifying and addressing systemic issues: A systemic business coach helps executives identify systemic issues within their organization and develop strategies to address them. They may work with individuals, teams, or the organization as a whole to help clients understand and address complex issues and challenges.

2. Developing a systemic perspective: A systemic business coach helps executives develop a more comprehensive understanding of their organization and how it operates. They encourage reflection and self-awareness to help clients gain insights and perspectives that can help them create a healthier and more sustainable organization.

3. Encouraging collaboration and communication: A systemic business coach helps executives foster a collaborative and communicative culture within their organization. They may work with teams to improve communication, build trust, and strengthen relationships.

4. Develop new skills: Working with a coach can help executives develop new skills that are essential for success in today's business world. These skills may include leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

5. Build resilience: Coaches can help executives build resilience and learn how to bounce back from setbacks. This can be invaluable in a fast-paced business environment where unexpected challenges are common.

6. Building relationships and networks: A systemic business coach may help executives build relationships and networks within their organization to support their leadership and achieve their goals.

9 Great Use Cases for Systemic Coaching

Systemic coaching is a holistic approach to coaching that focuses on understanding the interconnectedness of different systems and how they influence individual behavior and performance.

With that in mind, here are nine major use cases for systemic coaching:

• Organizational Change Management: Systemic coaching can help organizations navigate changes in structure, culture, and strategy. A study by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that coaching can improve organizational performance by up to 70%. For example, a large corporation undergoing a major restructuring may enlist the help of a systemic coach to guide them through the process and ensure a smooth transition. The coach may work with the leadership team to identify areas where changes need to be made and help them implement those changes while minimizing disruptions to day-to-day operations.

• Leadership Development: Systemic coaching can help leaders develop the skills they need to lead effectively, drive change, and also develop the skills and insights needed to navigate complex organizational systems. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that coaching can improve leadership effectiveness by up to 60%. For example, a CEO who is struggling to communicate effectively with their team may enlist the help of a systemic coach to work on their communication skills. The coach may help the CEO identify their communication style and develop ways how to adjust it to better connect with their teams.

• Career development: Systemic coaching can help individuals identify and navigate the systems that influence their career success, such as organizational culture, industry trends, and personal strengths and weaknesses. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that coaching was the most effective method for developing leadership skills and improving career prospects, with 75% of respondents reporting positive outcomes from coaching interventions.

• Conflict Resolution: Systemic coaching can help resolve conflicts within teams or organizations. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that conflict resolution coaching can reduce the number of disputes that escalate to formal complaints by up to 50%. For example, a team that is experiencing conflicts around decision-making may enlist the help of a systemic coach to help them identify the root causes of the conflicts and find ways to work together more effectively.

• Change management - Systemic coaching can be applied to support individuals and organizations through periods of change, such as mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, or changes in leadership. By understanding the impact of the change on the larger system, systemic coaches can help individuals and organizations navigate these transitions more effectively.

• Team effectiveness & Team Building - Systemic coaching can help teams improve communication, collaboration, and performance by addressing systemic issues that may be hindering their effectiveness. A study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity found that coaching was the most effective method for improving team effectiveness, with 80% of respondents reporting positive outcomes from coaching interventions. For example, a newly formed team may enlist the help of a systemic coach to help them build trust and cohesion. The coach may lead the team through team-building exercises and help them develop a shared vision and set of values.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Systemic coaching can help organizations create more inclusive environments and address systemic issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by helping leaders and teams develop a more nuanced understanding of the systems that perpetuate bias and discrimination. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that coaching was one of the most effective methods for reducing bias in the workplace, with 60% of respondents reporting positive outcomes from coaching interventions.

• Personal development - Systemic coaching is a powerful tool that can assist business leaders also in their personal development journey. By focusing on the interconnectedness of various systems within and outside of an organization, systemic coaching provides a holistic approach to personal development. For example, a business leader who wants to improve their communication skills can work with a systemic coach to understand how their communication style impacts their team's dynamics and how they can shift their approach to better align with their goals. Studies have shown that coaching can have a significant impact on personal development, with 80% of individuals reporting increased self-confidence, 70% reporting improved work performance, and 86% reporting a positive return on investment. By utilizing systemic coaching, business leaders can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on their organization, ultimately leading to personal growth and professional success.

• Create a culture of learning - Last but not least, a systemic coach can help executives create a culture of learning within the organization. This means encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and developing processes for ongoing reflection and evaluation. By doing so, executives can foster a culture that is better equipped to identify and address systemic issues as they arise.

Overall, working with a systemic business coach can be an effective way for business executives to address systemic issues within their organization. By taking a holistic approach and focusing on relationships and systems thinking, executives can develop more effective solutions and create a healthier and more sustainable organization.

+++