Team coaching: A game-changing strategy for building high-performing teams in Nigeria
By Mary Laniyan
In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, the need for high-performing teams is critical to the success of organizations across sectors. Yet, a global study by Dale Carnegie and Associates reveals that only 30 per cent of workplace teams are considered high-performing. This statistic is particularly alarming for organizations, as teams form the backbone of operational success. Addressing this gap is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity.
Some of the world’s leading companies have highlighted the importance of creating high-performing teams. Google’s Project Aristotle, a significant study into team performance, and Toyota’s long-standing philosophy of “building people before building cars” emphasize that a people-first strategy is the foundation of success and innovation.
These organizations are thriving because they have shifted their focus from being mere workplaces to becoming growth hubs where individuals are empowered to bring their full potential to the table.
In Nigeria, the public and private sectors face challenges preventing teams from realizing their value. While we can easily calculate the losses from inefficiencies in sectors like oil and gas, the greater unseen loss is the untapped potential of human capital.
Toxic work environments, a lack of psychological safety, and outdated practices are hindering teams from delivering value. Nigerian leaders should ask the question: Are we truly getting the best return on investment (ROI) from our current learning and development (L&D) strategies? Traditionally, organizations have relied on training and development programs focused on individual performance improvement.
While this approach is necessary, it does not address the team dynamics required for sustained operational excellence. After employees return from training, they often find themselves in environments that stifle creativity and collaboration. It’s time to rethink our approach. This article highlights Team Coaching as a developmental and competitive strategy—a differentiator for organizations that want to thrive in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
Coaching, particularly team coaching, is fast emerging as a game-changing solution for building teams that perform at their highest potential, and progressive organizations are already seeing the benefits.
What is team coaching?
According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), team coaching involves partnering with a team in a co-creative, reflective process focused on team dynamics and relationships. This approach empowers teams to maximize their abilities and potential to achieve shared goals and a common purpose. Team coaching is a partnership with the team rather than focusing on individual members. It respects the team’s collective intelligence, allowing the group to solve problems, innovate, and create a high-performance culture that leads to immediate and long-term value.
Why team coaching is crucial in Nigeria’s business landscape
As we continue to operate in a knowledge economy, where people are no longer paid for their hands but paid to think and come up with great ideas, creating the right environment for innovation and thinking is critical. Team coaching enables teams to see themselves as architects of their culture, allowing them to shape the behaviours, practices, and interactions that propel them forward. The result is a high-performing team that not only meets today’s challenges but is also future-proof—equipped to innovate and stay competitive in the years ahead. The benefits of team coaching are vast. It helps organisations create a growth place rather than just a workplace. Team members engage in quality and courageous conversations that drive transformative processes that go beyond intellectual knowledge, focusing on how they can better show up for their teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and high-value contributions. Over time, a coaching culture emerges, where team members intentionally build stronger relationships and engage in coaching conversations that drive continuous improvement. A study by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) found that team coaching leads to a 33 per cent increase in productivity, proving its effectiveness in transforming team performance. Yet, despite its significant potential, team coaching is not widely adopted in many Nigerian organizations due to perceived cost, time commitment, and the need for leadership buy-in.
*Overcoming the challenges of embracing team coaching
Unlike traditional training, team coaching is not a one-time event. It is a journey that requires time, commitment, and investment. A typical team coaching intervention lasts three months to a year, ensuring long-term behavioural change and sustained impact. While the initial investment may seem high, the long-term ROI—through improved team performance, innovation, and productivity—far outweighs the costs. If your organization is not achieving the desired outcomes despite investing in training year after year, it may be time to consider team coaching as part of your L&D strategy. This approach is not just for entry-level teams but should also be implemented at the leadership and board levels to demonstrate commitment and alignment with organizational culture.
*Team coaching and nation-building
The impact of team coaching extends beyond individual organizations. When employees go home less stressed and more fulfilled, the ripple effect positively impacts their families and communities. Moreover, as organizations experience exponential growth by developing high-performing teams, they contribute to the nation’s economy and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this way, team coaching is not just a business strategy but a nation-building strategy.
Team coaching is a powerful developmental tool for Nigerian organisations looking to cultivate high-performing teams, foster a coaching culture, and significantly increase productivity. By embracing this approach, we can create environments where teams are empowered to think, innovate, and lead, ensuring long-term success for the organization and the nation. If you want to position your team to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape, team coaching is the strategic investment that can unlock your team’s potential and deliver outstanding results.
*Mary Laniyan, a Principal Consultant/Systems Performance Coach, writes in via- marylaniyan@ovilanconsulting.
