The International Coach Federation (ICF) and Human Capital Institute (HCI) have released findings from their latest research collaboration, Building a Coaching Culture with Millennial Leaders. The study explores how first-time people managers and emerging leaders—many of whom are Millennials—can benefit from partnering with a coach and receiving training on how to use coaching skills with their peers and teams.
“Millennials are expected to make up half of the global workforce by 2020, and we know that many of them aspire to leadership roles. Because of this, they truly will shape the culture. It is crucial for organizations to know how to help them grow and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” ICF Global CEO/Executive Director Magdalena Mook said—in a press release.
The study incorporated survey responses from 670 individuals employed in organizations around the world as Human Resources, learning and development, and talent management professionals; managers and leaders; individual contributors; and internal coach practitioners. The study also incorporated in-depth interviews with four subject matter experts from the HR and talent development fields.
Much has been written and said about differences in working styles and values between older and younger generations. However, for the most part, ICF and HCI researchers found more similarities than differences across generations. Respondents from multiple age groups reported that developmental opportunities and flexible work arrangements are the most appealing benefits and workplace characteristics.
Most respondents demonstrated an understanding that managers and leaders who use coaching skills are more effective in their roles. When asked to describe the most effective management style, two words respondents cited most frequently were “collaborative” and “coaching.”
This research also pointed to the business case for building a strong coaching culture. Respondents whose organizations had strong coaching cultures reported that 61% of their employees are highly engaged, compared to 53% from organizations without strong coaching cultures. Forty-six percent of respondents in organizations with strong coaching cultures reported above-average 2016 revenue growth in relation to industry peers, versus 39% of respondents from all other organizations.
For more information, or to purchase this report, click here.