Luxaviation Group CITO Pieter Steyn on the Power of Coaching and Mentorship
14 April 2025
Pieter Steyn recently ventured into corporate executive coaching, guiding senior executives and colleagues across diverse industries over and above his day-to-day job of leading IT in the aviation space. He shares the purpose behind his coaching journey and reflects on the mentors who have shaped his leadership path.
Pieter believes emotional intelligence and self-awareness are critical yet often overlooked components of senior leadership, and that honing these skills is just as important, and just as underestimated, as technical or strategic expertise.
“I introduce them to structured frameworks like the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) loop to enhance decision-making under pressure, and Stop, Observe, Speak (SOS) to encourage thoughtful, intentional leadership interactions. Energy management plays a significant role in leadership, and research supports its impact on decision-making and influence,” he says.
“Mastering this requires deliberate energy management; understanding when to push forward and when to step back is crucial. Many leaders excel in decision-making, driving short-term results, and executing elements of strategy. However, they often struggle to grasp how their leadership style shapes both their teams and the broader organisational culture,” he explains.
From Reaction to Response: Elevating Leadership Through Self-Awareness
Pieter also encourages executives to take a step back and apply the SOS approach to assess their interactions. Being mindful of how their actions affect others is crucial. This intentional pause enables leaders to move from reactive behavior to thoughtful responses, fostering greater emotional control, and self-awareness.
“This is a skill that demands continuous practice, reflection, and refinement; without these, progress remains limited. The key is shifting from reacting to responding, leading with intention rather than impulse. I struggled with this for many years as a young leader. Active listening, empathy, and situational awareness are non-negotiable skills, and I guide executives through real-world scenarios to develop these instincts. It's crucial to provide coaching opportunities for both senior leaders and mid-management to develop these skills,” Pieter adds.
