Executive coaching services greatly assist leaders in developing skills and overcoming challenges. However, such support is not always available at the moment it is most needed. In that case, leaders are forced to train and develop themselves using the available tools and experience.
When external support is absent
Many leaders find themselves in such situations, like our example "Simon," who had taken on a new position at a consulting company. He was promised support from an executive coach, but due to a market downturn, that program was halted. At that moment, Simon faced several complex issues simultaneously:
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a team that had lost motivation and was afraid of layoffs,
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the need to review and update the sales strategy,
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pressure from the realization that he had to overcome the situation alone.
This is a classic example where self-coaching becomes not a choice but a necessity.
The first steps of self-coaching
To coach yourself in such conditions, a certain approach and toolkit are necessary.
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Clarify the problem
First, it is important to accurately articulate the main challenges. Not a general "bad situation," but specific issues such as team motivation, strategy update, market downturn impact. -
Create a dialogue with yourself
Executive coaches often guide leaders with questions. You can ask yourself such questions.-
What is the main problem I need to solve first?
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What is under my control?
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What are the possible scenarios?
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Use a journal or charts
Writing down problems and solutions helps clear the mind. It is especially useful to maintain a "solutions journal," where steps and their outcomes are recorded.
Increasing team engagement
A leader cannot overcome all challenges alone. In such situations, team engagement is crucial.
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Transparent communication—explain the situation and present the reality.
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Creating small victories—short-term successes strengthen confidence.
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Joint analysis of problems—engaging the team in the decision-making process fosters a sense of ownership.
Approach through "experimentation and learning"
An effective method of self-coaching is the application of experimentation. Test different strategies in small steps and monitor their outcomes. This method reduces the risk of major mistakes and allows for rapid learning.
Utilizing strengths
In stressful situations, people tend to focus on weaknesses. However, an important principle of self-coaching is to prioritize the use of one's strengths. For example, if you excel in analytical thinking, build your strategy on that skill.
The long-term value of self-coaching
Although having an external coach can accelerate a leader's progress, the self-coaching process also has its advantages. It fosters independence, resilience, and the ability to find solutions in any situation. These skills remain with the leader in the long term, making them more adaptable and resilient.
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Self-coaching through complex problems is not only a temporary solution but also a powerful tool for long-term development. It helps leaders understand their potential, develop their team, and create effective solutions even when external support is not available.
*The article was also prepared using data from AI․
