Leadership Philosophy
From the influence and learning at Akar Umbi, working with my coach, I believe effective leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential. Through active listening, guidance, and constructive feedback, a coaching leader fosters growth, builds confidence, and encourages autonomy. By focusing on individual strengths and tailoring support to each team member’s needs, leaders create an environment of trust and collaboration where continuous learning and shared success thrive.
Practical Applications
Individual Guidance & Feedback
- Provide specific, constructive feedback in monthly check-ins or daily work.
- Encourage open dialogue and actively listen to differing opinions.
Fostering Team Collaboration
- Promote fair, shared task distribution—shift from solo work to teamwork.
- Enhance cohesion through jointly organised activities and events.
Inclusive & Supportive Culture
- Welcome volunteers and interns from diverse backgrounds.
- Address mistakes promptly with humility—apologise and rebuild trust.
Empowerment & Responsibility
- Assign tasks by individual strengths to maximise potential and autonomy.
- Invite team members to step up in critical moments to build leadership.
Continuous Learning & Growth
- Hold regular meetings to review progress and challenges—iterate fast.
- Motivate proactive behaviour and experimentation with new approaches.
Observed Outcomes
The coaching leadership style at my internship site significantly increased our initiative and ownership of tasks. Encouraged by regular one-on-one monthly check-ins and team meetings, members identify challenges and propose solutions rather than waiting for instructions. This led to an improvement in project execution efficiency, particularly during the second half of WBL event planning. Communication became more open and effective, enabling quicker problem-solving and better alignment on goals across the team.
Reflection & Future Directions
I gained valuable insights into the coaching style—its emphasis on empowerment and active listening strengthened my self-awareness and problem-solving. While balancing autonomy with the need for guidance was sometimes challenging, additional support helped the team fully engage. Going forward, I will apply coaching principles by fostering open communication and collaborative problem-solving. I also see potential in integrating coaching with complementary leadership approaches to support diverse team needs—ultimately aspiring to become a leader who inspires growth and innovation.