Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
There is No Playbook: Leader as Coach During Challenging Times
Summary
Key Insights
-
•
Leaders default to fixing or advising rather than inquiring, though inquiry leads to more sustainable change.
-
•
Coaching works because it helps individuals build their own 'mental maps,' aligning change with their internal wiring.
-
•
Neuroscience shows the brain functions best when generating personal connections, making coaching more effective than directive advice.
-
•
The innovation process framework—explore, synthesize, ideate, prototype—applies effectively to leading individual change.
-
•
Clarifying specific behaviors non-judgmentally and verifying perceptions with the other person is foundational for change conversations.
-
•
Open-ended 'what' and 'how' questions invite deeper reflection and discovery compared to closed or leading questions.
-
•
Discomfort in conversations is natural; leaders must cultivate presence and self-management to stay curious rather than reactive.
-
•
Power dynamics affect feedback; developing shared goals and mutual values helps engage even those without direct reporting relationships.
-
•
Regular, ongoing coaching conversations are better than rare, crisis-driven feedback sessions.
-
•
Reflection on iterative attempts and learning from outcomes leverages neuroplasticity to reinforce behavioral changes.
Notable Quotes
"Change doesn’t always need to throw us back on our heels. We can take a proactive approach."
"We tend to do anything but inquire, even though inquiry is most effective for sustainable change."
"Taking a coaching approach supports the other person’s discovery and offers the greatest possibility for change."
"The brain is a connection machine; people need to create their own mental maps to change effectively."
"People tend to support what they actively help create."
"You can’t eliminate judgment; it’s part of human biology, but you can be conscious about it."
"Ask permission before giving feedback, and do it in a timely, private setting for constructive criticism."
"Coaching is not problem-solving; it’s about being curious and inviting discovery."
"Why am I talking? Sometimes it’s better to ask a question and be silent."
"Doing these conversations regularly, not just in crisis, makes a big difference."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Are you creative? Such a loaded question, isn't it?"
Dr. Karl JeffriesThe Science of Creativity for DesignOps
January 8, 2024
"There’s been a huge convergence because everybody’s got a mobile device now and expects a certain kind of experience."
Amy MarquezINVEST: Discussion
June 15, 2018
"The core of it is really putting yourself in that other person’s shoes—it’s basic but essential empathy."
Steve Portigal Chris Chapo Kelly Goto Christian RohrerDiscussion
May 13, 2015
"How do you organize a design team to work within a changing environment without freaking everybody out."
Alicia MootyDesign Staffing Models
September 30, 2021
"The only rule is to maintain your smile and just to feel the being that have fun."
Ana Maria Montero Barrantes Aditi Dhar Michelle Kaplan Nate Osborne Matt LaurenceThe Authentic UX Talent Show
January 8, 2024
"We never compromise on the business goals, but how we achieve them can be flexible and pragmatic."
Lada Gorlenko Sharbani Dhar Sébastien Malo Rob Mitzel Ivana Ng Michal Anne RogondinoTheme 1: Discussion
January 8, 2024
"Our principle is that whatever we build must help researchers avoid becoming a silo."
Sofia QuinteroThe Product Philosophy Behind EnjoyHQ
March 10, 2021
"Innovation is very much a team sport."
Laura KleinUnique challenges of innovation in enterprises
April 23, 2020
"Typically, data analytics teams are big and well-funded, while UX research teams are smaller and struggle for resources."
Andrew MichaelBuilding a Product Insights Team
March 10, 2022
