Being a Coaching-Style Leader in an Asian Context

Being a coaching-style leader often means listening more and advising less.
🏮 But what do you do if you or the other person comes from an Asian background, for whom it feels more natural to ask for and receive advice from a leader?

Singaporean authors Laurence Tan and Cheong Eng Neo write:

“For many Asian managers [and team members], asking open-ended questions may not come naturally. Most of us have been conditioned from young…. Our parents are always asking us, ‘Have you eaten your lunch? Have you taken your shower?’ Teachers tend to ask the students ‘Did you submit the homework? Is this statement true or false?’.... The students do not question their teachers…. Neither are they asked for their thoughts and opinions on various subjects.” (1)

In general, Asian colleagues have a deep respect for those with authority and seniority.

A coaching-style leader can start small: with explanation and permission.

🔸 “Would it be ok if I ask a few questions first before sharing my ideas?”
🔸 “Let’s think it through together. What’s your first idea?”
🔸 “It’s my habit to ask some questions to help find a solution that works best for you. Would it be ok to explore your ideas together?”

A coaching-style teacher can use similar questions with Asian students.

🏮 What sounds natural for you to explain your coaching-style of leadership?

(1) Laurence Tan and Eng Neo Chong, Leading High Performance Team: Coaching in the Asian Culture, 2019, p 75