Hard to Get There Alone
It is often lonely at the top. Top level executives in any organization experience a certain level of isolation – often correlated to the size of the organization and their level on the organizational chart. Most executives don’t have anyone to talk to about their strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, these executives don’t realize how they are viewed by their peers, manager or subordinates. Nor is it likely that they get the truth about their performance especially from their subordinates. It’s interesting that CEOs as a...
read moreCoaching Is a Process
Every coach should have a methodology or process. It’s like a map or road to follow. Without a coaching process, change is unlikely and the outcome will be questionable. Every client is different and the process will be customized to meet the needs of the client and leader. However, here is a typical process that we often use. Step 1 – Intial Meeting The coach and the leader meet to determine mutual interest for a coaching relationship. Leader determines if the coach has the right credentials and experiences to help them succeed. ...
read moreCoaching Chemistry
Coaching is a partnership that thrives on trust, confidence, and progress. Before beginning an executive coaching relationship, leaders often wonder if the potential coach is the right person for them. Is the “chemistry” right between the two? I don’t like the word chemistry to describe the relationship, but a leader will not get much benefit from someone they dislike. Nor will they get much benefit from someone they really like, but fails to push them to higher levels. Personal likes and dislikes should not be the primary...
read moreCustom Coaching
A spider’s web has a consistent look, but every web the spider creates is very different. Every leader and company is also very different. That’s why we don’t use a cookie-cutter approach for executive coaching. The process must fit not only the leader, but also the company’s values, culture, and environment. The coach must design a unique and customized process for every leader. Each engagement is customized process. We share a similar philosophy of Frances Hesselbein, author, coach, and leadership thought...
read moreSelect the Right Coach
Once you decide to hire a coach, you will need to find an executive coach that will fit with the organization and the leader. You must be sure that the coach has the right background, fits with organization’s culture and values, and there is achemistry between the coach and the leader. Values Many organizations don’t carefully consider the values of the executive coach. Without consideration, the engagement could result in failure or in mis-alignment. For example, if the company has a hard-charging, results-oriented culture,...
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