Unlocking innovation: how to create the right environment for success

In the words of Carsten Diederich, head of deal-to-cash operations at energy group ALPIQ: “At our core, we believe that leaders as secure base coaches are pivotal in unlocking potential. Through our coaching ambassador programme, we cultivate leaders who are skilled in creating environments where team members can ‘play to thrive’. The techniques drive both individual growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”

Rooted in attachment theory and leadership development, at its core secure base coaching fosters three pivotal elements: conscious choice, constructive challenge and courageous communication. Together, these elements unlock individual and collective potential, driving creativity, innovation and collaboration.

·      Conscious choice: empowering ownership & agency

Conscious choice involves cultivating awareness in individuals, helping them recognise their power to choose how they think, feel and act in any situation. When leaders and coaches encourage conscious choice, they enable individuals to shift from reactive behaviours to proactive, intentional actions.

A secure base provides the psychological safety needed for individuals to explore their options without fear of judgment or failure. When individuals make conscious choices, they become more engaged and motivated. This sense of ownership not only enhances personal accountability but also encourages creative problem-solving.

·      Constructive challenge: driving growth & innovation

Essential for fostering innovation, constructive challenge is the art of encouraging individuals to stretch their capabilities while still feeling supported. Secure base coaching strikes this delicate balance, ensuring that challenges are framed not as threats but as opportunities for growth. When individuals are encouraged to question assumptions, experiment with new ideas and take calculated risks, creativity flourishes.

Secure base coaching provides the foundation for this exploration by normalising failure as a learning opportunity rather than a personal flaw. Constructive challenge also creates an environment where feedback is welcomed and valued. This involves asking thought-provoking questions, setting ambitious yet achievable goals and celebrating progress rather than perfection.

·      Courageous communication: building trust & collaboration

Collaboration thrives in environments where open, honest and empathetic communication is the norm. Courageous communication involves fostering dialogue that is transparent, respectful and aligned with shared goals. It requires individuals to express their ideas, concerns and emotions authentically, even in difficult conversations.

Creating a culture of courageous communication begins with modelling vulnerability and active listening. Leaders set the tone by acknowledging their own limitations and creating space for diverse perspectives. This openness builds trust, which is the foundation of effective collaboration.

The ripple effect: transforming organisations through secure base coaching

When secure base coaching is embedded in an organisation’s culture, its impact extends far beyond individual development. Teams become more cohesive, adaptive and innovative. Collaboration flourishes as trust and mutual respect replace fear and competition.

Creativity thrives as individuals feel empowered to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Ultimately, organisations that embrace secure base coaching become agile, resilient and better equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

Here are five actionable steps for integrating secure base coaching at your organisation:

·      Train managers as secure base coaches: equip leaders with the skills to stimulate conscious choice, offer constructive challenge and facilitate courageous communication

·      Foster a culture of psychological safety: encourage behaviours that promote trust, inclusivity and a shared sense of purpose

·      Encourage reflective practices: create opportunities for individuals to engage in self-reflection, enhancing their ability to make conscious choices

·      Normalise feedback and learning: establish feedback loops that celebrate growth and learning rather than punishing mistakes

·      Model vulnerability and authenticity: managers must lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours they wish to see in others

In today’s dynamic world, secure base coaching is not a luxury but a necessity. By fostering conscious choice, constructive challenge and courageous communication, it creates an environment where potential is unleashed, creativity thrives and collaboration flourishes.

Organisations that embrace this approach will not only drive innovation and growth but also cultivate a culture where individuals and teams can truly thrive. Secure base coaching is more than a method; it is a transformational mind shift that empowers individuals and organisations to reach their fullest potential.

Rev Dr Susan Goldsworthy is an Olympic finalist, award-winning author, executive coach and speaker with more than 40 years’ corporate experience. She is the author of the new book, Care Dare Share: The Secure Base Coach, published by IMD