What is an Executive Coach?
An executive coach is an individual who works with competent employees to improve already good performance or to teach specific skills that may need improvement. The coach helps the individual set better goals that can be realized in a shorter time. Individual performance is enhanced because performance is aligned with personal and organizational values. Because executive coaches work one-on-one, learning and behavior change comes more quickly. Learning is about performance on-the-job, not in a classroom. Real-time interventions and suggestions are made that change behavior in the short term. When the benefits of the change are realized, behavior change in the long term is reinforced.
Who benefits from executive coaching?
- Senior executives who seek a sounding board to refine their ideas and decisions.
- Managers who do not receive regular feedback on their performance.
- High potentials who are being stretched to learn and perform at high levels.
- Newly promoted or hired individuals who want to speed up their learning curve.
- Competent managers who need to fine-tune raw edges and improve some skills.
- Technical experts who are less versed in leadership and interpersonal skills.
Executive coaching is for those valuable employees who have no one inside the corporation to talk to or who are more comfortable with impartial outsiders.
What happens between a coach and a client?
Coaching contracts negotiated by the coach and the client specifically determine the nature of the relationship. The coaching situation may be publicly acknowledged or privately conducted. It may include the client's team or may be individual. It typically includes a survey assessment of performance, an analysis of performance reviews and career highlights, and an assessment of individual values, skills, and career objectives. It includes real-time observation and feedback, analysis of business and individual development objectives and performance, and ongoing personal or telephonic contact for three to six months or longer.
Executive coaching contracts have three essential ingredients for success.
- Confidentiality is upheld between the coach and the client.
- Trust is built between the coach and the client for a continuing relationship.
- Time is dedicated to the process with the recognition that coaching is not a "quick fix."
Benefits of Executive Coaching:
- Individuals set better goals and are held accountable for achieving those goals.
- Performance improves more quickly due to the continuous reflection and feedback.
- Learning takes place more quickly in new situations.
- Individuals make better decisions because of the reflection and analysis process.
- Interpersonal relationships improve based on real-time feedback.
- Team development accelerates as individuals take responsibility for their actions.
- Alignment of individual and organizational values decreases stress for employees and the organization.
