A study of coaching leadership style practice in projects

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss how project managers practice a coaching leadership style (CLS).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case study of an organization practicing coaching in projects.

Findings

The research findings show that to succeed with a CLS, project managers must have a large toolbox, which includes signature strengths, self-management and a give culture. Further, the paper describes how a model consisting of two learning processes can help to implement a CLS in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory, contributing to the development of a substantive theory. Theory testing as well as more in-depth investigation of mental models of a CLS would be valuable.

Practical implications

Coaching leadership theories offer insights that can be leveraged to make project management more effective through improved research foundations.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on how a CLS is carried out in projects and how it can be improved and should thus be of interest to managers searching for tools and models for effective leadership.

Citation

Berg, M.E. and Karlsen, J.T. (2016), "A study of coaching leadership style practice in projects", Management Research Review, Vol. 39 No. 9, pp. 1122-1142. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-07-2015-0157