What Is Executive Coaching?
Executive Coaching is a highly interactive process through which the coach helps executives achieve extraordinary results in their organisations by giving them a better knowledge of themselves (values, desires, behavior etc.) and triggering changes in beliefs and behavior in order to optimise the use of their resources.
Perhaps the greatest challenge to the executive coach is to engage the client in purposeful dialogue. Rapport is vital and the chemistry between the two must quickly establish trust and credibility.
Good listening skills on the part of the coach, together with the ability to deliver honest feedback are crucial to keeping the dialogue grounded in what is important to the client. The strategic power of any coaching dialogue lies primarily in the coach’s ability to question.
Program Contents:
- Company Sponsored Executive Coaching
High-potential individuals and those needing to improve their leadership or management skills are often asked to seek out the services of an Executive Coach. The coach, the client and a company sponsor (usually a senior executive or VP) would initially meet to have an open discussion on the desired outcome for Executive Coaching.
It is recommended that the client initially take two assessments–one of which could be a 360–and perhaps others will be suggested over the course of the contract. Quite a lot of work is undertaken in the collection, validation and analysis of information before real coaching can begin. This is used to identify strengths, management style, personal desires, etc.
The coach and client anticipate meeting on average, three or more times a month for a period of six months. Sponsor meetings are scheduled after every fourth meeting. At this meeting, the client is expected to bring the sponsor up-to-date on his or her progress. This ensures that coach/client confidentiality agreement is retained but also ensures that the company’s goals are monitored.
For the sponsor, a coaching initiative might be viewed as a self-contained project or part of a larger integrated strategy. Whenever coaching succeeds in aligning the needs of the business with the developmental needs of its people, it cannot help but be strategic in nature.
Coaching is conducted on a one-to-one basis, in person, over the telephone or e-mail, or a combination thereof. It is completely confidential giving the client an opportunity to share personal concerns whilst gaining an outside perspective.
- Personal Executive Coaching
Numerous motivated individuals seek Executive Coaching in order to enhance their leadership or management skills, expand their advancement opportunities or determine whether they should be moving on.
These sessions can either be purchased as a monthly retainer or for a minimum of six sessions, . Assessments will usually be recommended.