From Boss to Coach: Shifting the PM Mindset for Better People Management

Introduction

“Be the change you want to see in others.” We often live in a world full of criticism, where people are quick to form opinions about others. But sometimes, a small internal shift can lead to a much happier and healthier work environment. In this blog, I want to emphasize the importance of being a Coach rather than a bossy manager. Let me ask you an honest opinion. If you had to choose a Manager for yourself – would it be a Boss or a Coach?

I would like to share my personal experience on how my journey had a crucial shift in mindset from being a boss lady (fixed mindset) to an effective coach (growth mindset) which helped me to grow and build confidence within multiple teams. It will illustrate the benefits of adopting a coaching style that fosters collaboration, empowerment, and individual growth within the project team along with bringing a sense of ownership. This shift ultimately led to improved team performance, increased openness  & trust, and more successful project outcomes.

My Journey: From Boss to Coach

In my 4.5 years of project management journey at To The New, I initially followed a traditional “boss” approach. I believed leadership meant being superior, having control, and imposing decisions. Over time, I realized I wasn’t always a good listener and often overlooked others’ opinions. This led to lower productivity, reduced morale, and limited collaboration. The team was not openly discussing their opinions with me.

A Defining Moment

In one of the critical deliveries at Tata Play project, we had to perform two weeks of ORIT (One Roof Integration Testing) along with the client to jointly perform UAT and fix bugs simultaneously. We had a week wherein critical developers were on leave and we had to rely on less experienced developers who were not confident to handle clients. Instead of commanding them, I chose to be transparent. I explained the situation, trusted their capabilities, and encouraged them to step up. Finally, we were able to successfully complete the ORIT and got UAT sign-off on time.

Boss vs Coach: The Mindset Shift

Once I changed my mindset, I saw a clear difference; stronger relationships, better networking, greater transparency, and a strong sense of ownership within the team.

Mindset Shifts

Limitations of the Boss Style

1. Reduced Team Ownership
2. Suppressed Creativity and Innovation
3. Low Morale and Engagement
4. Missed Opportunities for Individual Growth
5. Increased dependency on the Project Manager, often leading to role insecurity

Benefits of the Coach Style

1. Active Listening and Empathy
2. Increased team morale and motivation
3. Celebration of both team & individual achievements
4. Constructive and Timely Feedback
5. Stronger Collaboration
6. Prioritization of Individual Development

Challenges of Becoming a Coach

Shifting from a boss to a coach is not easy and comes with its own challenges:

1. Takes Time and Effort: Building trust and developing coaching skills takes time and effort.
2. May Not Be Suitable for All Situations: In certain situations, such as crisis management, a more directive approach may be necessary.
3. Requires Strong Communication Skills: Effective coaching requires strong communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to provide constructive feedback.
4. Potential for Misinterpretation: Coaching can be misinterpreted as a weakness or a lack of authority if not implemented effectively.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude that the shift from “boss” to “coach” is essential for Project Managers seeking to thrive in today’s dynamic and complex project environments. By embracing a coaching mindset, PMs can empower their teams, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes and a more engaged and motivated workforce. While the transition may present challenges, the benefits of a coaching approach far outweigh the obstacles, making it a worthwhile investment for any organization seeking to achieve sustainable success. The modern PM is not just a manager of tasks, but a developer of people.

So, are you still thinking of being a Boss, or ready to become a Coach starting tomorrow?