I was talking with a friend who asked me what executive coaching is really is and what sorts of jobs and industries my clients were in. I tried to put into words that, because I am a certified coach and have worked in the corporate world for 15+ years, I see that I can have a significant impact at all levels and in various functions of an organisation. Let me explain.
To me, as an executive coach, it doesn’t matter which job or sector my clients are in; I haven’t been a VP Marketing in Healthcare, a Finance Director in FMCG, a General Counsel in technology or a CEO in engineering myself, but I can sometimes see things that my clients can’t see for themselves.
After an interesting discussion, my friend’s conclusion made total sense : “Of course, that is exactly like a doctor. Nobody expects a cardiologist to have suffered a heart attack!”
That’s exactly my point ! A cardiologist is not assessed against the number of heart attacks or surgeries they have had. Their patients’ expectations are simply to be well cared for by an educated and experienced doctor. The doctor must be adequately trained, to make a good diagnosis, know the different treatment options, and be able to advise on which actions should be taken to maximise the patient’s recovery.
Likewise, a qualified and experienced coach can – in principle – coach anyone willing to be coached. A coach is responsible for the process, while a coachee is responsible for the content and the actions. An executive coach’s job is to help coachees structure their thoughts, find their own solutions, make sound decisions, and commit to their action plans. The final role of a coach is to remain in their client’s shadow throughout to ensure they step out of their comfort zone and act.
A coaching outcome differs for each individual, depending on the objective, the duration, self-awareness, on willingness to be coached (coachability), personality, resources, experience and the environment. I see executive coaching as a journey, where we – as a team (coach and coachee) – reach the best possible solution to a current challenge and ensure it leads to concrete actions or changes in behaviours.
All you want to know about coaching.
Is executive coaching for you ?
If, like most of the talented professionals I have worked with, you are willing to
- improve your self-awareness to become a better leader
- find a solution to a business challenge
- reach the objectives you have set for yourself or your business and clarify your real objective if needed
- improve your leadership skills
- act where you have previously procrastinated
- progress in your career
- shine a new light on a current problem
- understand who your stakeholders are and how to influence them
- understand why you are stuck in your career and how to move on – or not
- be clear on which decision is the best for you
Then executive coaching can really make a real difference for yourself, for your career, for your team and your business – or even all of them!
Get in Touch
At Leadingenius – HR Consulting and Coaching, we have a passion for career and leadership coaching. We help companies and individuals understand their talent and realise their full potential. If you wish to discuss your professional objectives with us, please call us now on +41 79 464 92 70, email info@leadingenius.ch or complete your details in our contact form at http://bit.ly/2PHOMhH.
Thanks for reading our blog. We hope it has illustrated the significant gains executive coaching offers to your staff, your company, and, ultimately, your bottom line.
