More and more is being expected from executives today. Their performance is monitored and their results impact on career prospects and pay, like never before.
As companies pile on the pressure, many are now recognising that help is needed to maximise the performance and retention of their key staff.
Coaching, historically seen as a remedial service for the underperformer has now lost it's negative connotations and is accepted in a positive light by all who want to either attain or maintain their own peak performance. This change in outlook has however spawned a new unregulated industry and caution should be exercised when contracting a business coach. To this end we offer a selection of potential coaches to our customers, all of whom have had successful professional careers of their own before qualifying as a business coach. Further to this we offer your first coaching session for free if you are not totally satisfied and choose not to proceed thereafter.
So what is Executive Coaching?
Typically it is a confidential, tailored service designed to help an individual achieve a range of objectives or achieve their potential.
How does it work?
Although typically paid for by the executive's employer, the service is confidential between the coach and the executive being coached (coachee). The service varies in length but is typically initially delivered over 4-6 months, in sessions lasting two hours and is adapted in style and content (+ timing & location), to reflect the needs of the coachee.
Trust and respect are the two key ingredients in any successful relationship and in this regards it often helps to have an outsider, not affected by company politics, as an objective ear. The coach will be trained to:
listen (but is a coach not a councillor)
Consolidate & summarise
Draw conclusions
Understand personality
Act as an independent sounding board
Review work/life balance holistically
Process
The first meeting we call 'ground zero' as its primary objective is to build foundations for future meetings (see phase one diagram). It follows a structured process of information sharing and allows both parties to evaluate the other and gain confidence in how the journey will unfold.
Why does coaching work?
Coaching works differently for each individual but what follows are a few examples of why it works:
Often our work patterns are governed by past experience both positive and negative. Typically we repeat those actions and ideas that have worked for us in the past. As we get older these constraints impede creative and open thinking.
Positions of authority bring with them stress which can also blinker our thought processes. A trained coach can spot the signs and help individuals to think objectively again.
Some people just need an independent sounding board to challenge their ideas and thought processes.
As our coaches are also management trainers, they have a wealth of models which they can access to help the coachee better handle a particular situation that they face.
By really understanding personality, our coaches will be able to assess the behavioural strengths and weaknesses of the coachee in any given situation. Often this reality check is helpful in cementing a realisable action plan and giving the coachee the confidence they need to succeed.
By understanding the pressures and priorities that influence the coachee from both inside and outside of work, the coach can help the coachee set realistic ambitions.
If you are interested in registering for a coach or wish to find out more, please click 'Register Interest' opposite.
