“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — What Mahatma Gandhi wrote of the individual, perhaps applies even more to organisations founded to make the world more ecological, social, just and peaceful. NGOs ought to exemplify what they want to see in the world in their own, self-designed world. Unfortunately, this is not always the case! Hence the Purpose Paradox.
It never fails to amaze me in my conversations with HR and L&D Professionals how many of them absolutely agree with me, that coaching is a desired leadership behaviour, but under examination, it is not one particularly evident or valued in their own organisation. Of course, there is always one ‘good person’ on the senior management team who is a champion, but can’t seem to get traction. Or some middle managers, who are pushing the cause. However, it is so rare to find a ‘real’ energised coaching culture in any organisation. The best you can hope for are pockets of evangelists, who fly the flag for coaching and have partial success until their ‘ring leader’ leaves, or is deposed or fired! 