Executive Coaching Today
According to a survey conducted by Stanford Business on executive coaching, “Nearly two-thirds of CEOs do not receive outside leadership advice, but nearly all want it.” With so many business challenges facing our organizations today, leaders are seeking input and guidance from professionals to take their performance to the next level.
Who Can Benefit from Executive Coaching?
- Seasoned executives facing new challenges
- New executives looking to increase their effectiveness
- Future leaders preparing to assume a leadership role
- Leaders amid significant periods of growth or change
Choosing the Right Executive Coach
It is critical that you choose the right firm and/or person to make the most out of your executive coaching experience. Currently, there are no universal standards specific to executive coaching; therefore, it is vital to do your due diligence before hiring a coach.
When deciding on who to hire, consider these details and ask these questions:
- Experience | How long has the coaching firm or coach been in business? Everyone and every business must start somewhere, but when it comes to your organization, you want a coach with a proven track record of working with executives and a company that is highly reputable.
- Vetting | Am I choosing a coach with references? Do they have advanced training or certifications? What are their credentials? Don’t be afraid to vet the coaching firm or coach. They should be equipped with references upon request, reviews, and a list of training and credentials to make you feel confident in their abilities to coach you and your teams.
- Clientele | What clients and organizations have they served? Verifying the businesses they have helped similar in size or in your industry is a good reference point when hiring. Then ask yourself, who are these businesses? Do they perform well?
- Methods | What type of coaching methods and/or assessments do they use and are they certified in them? Every firm or coach has a methodology (or more) that they use and trust when helping executives, and many rely on assessments to help the client build self-awareness. Ask the potential firm or coach what assessments they use, and why. Some assessments require coaches to be certified; others do not. When in doubt, ask.
- Flexibility | Is this coach or firm flexible in their coaching plan to meet your needs and budget? Each company is different and sometimes one size does not fit all. Talk in-depth with your potential coach or firm about flexibility with processes that aren’t necessarily tailored to your needs and see what can be altered.
- Confidentiality | What is the confidentiality agreement and how can I be sure sensitive information will be protected? In some cases, sensitive information can be disclosed in an executive coaching relationship. It’s part of the process of building trust. It is important to be clear as to how confidential information will be handled and protected.
- Duration | How long will the coach be with us and be engaged? When implementing new behaviors, challenges can come up, and falling back into our “old ways” is possible. Understanding that your coach will be there with you throughout the entire process will help you move in the right direction quicker and more efficiently.
- Process | What is the process and time commitment on both sides? The firm you choose should have program recommendations to help you determine your time commitment. Remember that you will need time to prepare for your sessions to be successful with your coaching plan.
- Measurement | How does the coach and/or firm measure progress for my specific objectives? Understanding what success looks like is extremely important. The client and Coach should agree upon the desired outcomes – and action steps to make the goals a reality. Pre- and post-coaching feedback can provide insight into areas of progress, and where gaps remain.
- Coach | How does the coaching firm choose the right coach for my organizational needs? When employing a coaching firm, there are typically several different coaches that may have expertise in certain areas. In addition to approach, chemistry is key to an effective coaching relationship. It can be helpful to arrange a “meet and greet” between the Coach and Client before making the match official.
- Culture | Does the coach or coaching firm take the time to understand my business culture? Whoever you select as your coach, he or she should take the time to understand you, your business, and your business culture.
Crosworks Career and Talent Strategists
Investing in executive coaching can accelerate leadership development at all levels within your organization. At Crosworks, we encourage you to ask the right questions and find the right fit for your organization. Our approach is in-depth and highly personalized. We dive deep into the executive’s strengths, self-awareness, and leadership style. Together, we outline objectives, goals, and identify resources and tools. Our relationship will go beyond skills training; we will provide support, encouragement, and honest feedback.
Reach out to schedule a time to talk about how we can help your leaders thrive!