The Impact of Team Leader Coaching on Team Performance and Learning

This research report investigates the crucial role of team leader coaching (TLC) in fostering team learning, innovation effectiveness, and task performance, particularly within teams prone to contentious communication. The study, conducted on 82 work teams, reveals that TLC behaviors, which involve initiating and facilitating team discussions and providing consultation, positively influence team outcomes through team learning. However, this positive effect is most pronounced in teams where contentious interpersonal communication is prevalent. The research emphasizes that effective TLC helps mitigate the negative impacts of interpersonal conflicts, enabling teams to engage in open and inclusive discussions, which are essential for adapting to change, improving processes, and developing innovative solutions. The findings highlight the importance of team leaders in creating an environment where team members can share diverse perspectives and collectively learn from their experiences, ultimately enhancing team performance. The report also discusses the theoretical and practical implications for team leadership, underscoring the need for leaders to actively manage communication dynamics to maximize team effectiveness.