Issue #10: Coaching for Leaders

Building human connections is my favorite thing to do. To help us connect deeply and add value to our collective journeys, I’ve decided to share my thoughts with you through my fortnightly newsletter. I hope you find value.

A short introduction: I am Utkarsh Narang, Founder of IgnitedNeurons, a learning facilitator, executive coach, and Courage catalyst. I find joy in creating experiences that help managers become leaders for the world. Based in Melbourne, Australia, I serve clients globally.

The newsletter has four parts: A Big Idea, A Question for You, BrainWave for the Fortnight, and A Lesson from a Book I Finished.

Big Idea: Coaching for Leaders

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Along the way, leaders face many challenges—navigating difficult decisions, motivating diverse teams, and staying adaptable in a constantly changing world. These challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is where coaching becomes a game-changer.

Coaching isn’t about giving leaders a checklist or telling them what to do. It’s about creating a safe space where they can think clearly, discover their strengths, and find solutions that work for them. Coaching helps leaders reflect on their actions, improve their skills, and grow into their best selves.

Why is coaching so powerful for leaders?

• Self-Awareness: Coaching helps leaders understand their behaviors, strengths, and blind spots. This self-awareness is the foundation for personal and professional growth.
• Better Decision-Making: Through coaching, leaders learn to pause, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions that align with their goals and values.
• Empowering Teams: Great leaders inspire and empower their teams. Coaching equips leaders with the tools to ask the right questions, listen actively, and build trust.
• Resilience: Leadership isn’t easy. Coaching helps leaders manage stress, stay focused, and bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.
• Continuous Growth: Coaching isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process that helps leaders evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.

Imagine having someone by your side who is fully invested in your growth, who listens without judgment, and who helps you uncover your best ideas and potential. That’s the gift of coaching—and it’s a gift every leader deserves.

In today’s world, leaders who embrace coaching don’t just survive—they thrive. They create workplaces where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.

A Question for You

If you had a coach by your side, what’s the first challenge you’d want help solving?

BrainWave for the Fortnight

A simple way to get the most out of coaching is by starting with this question: “What do you think I should focus on?” When working with a coach, sharing your thoughts and challenges upfront helps them understand your perspective better.

Coaching is not about someone giving you all the answers—it’s about exploring ideas together and uncovering solutions. You might be surprised how often you already have the answers within you; a coach simply guides you to discover them.

Lesson from a Book

I recently read The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by 📚 Michael Bungay Stanier . One big lesson I learned is the power of asking better questions. The author shares how seven simple questions can help leaders move away from micromanaging and toward empowering their teams.

One of my favorite questions is: “What’s the real challenge here for you?” It helps people go deeper and think about what’s truly holding them back. I’ve started using this question with my clients, and it’s amazing how much clarity it brings.

Coaching isn’t just for leaders—it’s for anyone who wants to grow and help others grow. If you’d like to explore how coaching can improve your leadership or team’s performance, let’s talk. Together, we can create a path to success and growth that works for you.

Let’s make leadership a journey of continuous learning and impact!