Ο Συμβουλευτικός Ρόλος της Ηγεσίας (Coaching) στη Δημόσια Διοίκηση

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of coaching as a complementary process for the modern Heads of Unit in the Public Administration. In the age of rapid change, the human factor is considered decisive for any procedural, organizational, or systematic intervention that aims to improve the effectiveness of an organization. Considering these new circumstances, effective leadership goes beyond the limits and responsibilities of a “leader” or hierarchical manager, who gives orders and directions to their staff. The new type of leadership in the Public Sector, is based on team working, participation and the creation of a supportive work environment that allows civil servants to take action and responsibility during their goal attainment. Coaching is an innovative process, that helps the Head of Unit encourage, inspire and motivate their human staff, giving new perspective and vision to their work. In this study, literature review is used in order to highlight the “new normal” in Public Administration which requires reskilling and upskilling for public officials as well as adopting more human-centered leadership models. At the same time, the changes that have occurred in the evaluation system of supervisors are briefly recorded, stressing their impact on the leadership behavior. The contribution of coaching in creating a new advisory, participatory leadership model is, consequently, noted. This model is based on new skills such as emotional intelligence, active listening, the art of questioning and the feedback process. In this context, the small-scale qualitative research that follows concludes to the need of adopting a coaching culture in the Greek public administration, in order to empower public executives. In the final part, conclusions and proposals are presented with a view to further promoting this tool in public institutions in Greece