Leadership Coach Effectiveness as Fostering Self-Determined, Sustained Change
Authors
Published
Leadership Quarterly
Abstract
Drawing upon self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2002; Ryan & Deci, 2017) and intentional change theory (ICT, Boyatzis, 2008), we offer an integrative theoretical framework to define what constitutes an effective leadership coach. We propose an effective
leadership coach is one who enables sustained change on the part of the person coached (i.e., the leader). We apply SDT and ICT to explain the motivational dynamics, facilitated by the leadership coach, involved in effective leadership coaching. Specifically, we assert that leader
sustained change is achieved when the leadership coach works to satisfy three inherent human needs in the leader (autonomy, relatedness, and competence) through facilitated ideal and real
self-discovery on the part on the leader. Satisfaction of these needs gives rise to the motivation to change. We present propositions to invite further coaching research and discuss how the
framework we present applies to leadership coaching practice.
