What is Executive Coaching and how do I get the most out of it?
Executive Coaching is the partnership between a professional coach and an individual that encourages positive behavioral change both professionally and personally. Executive Coaches help support people in leadership development, executive management, career advancement, performance maximization, effective communication, job transitioning and more. Coaches can also help their clients on a variety of personal challenges, ranging from anxiety management to self-confidence to positive thinking and well-being. Coaching is more formal than mentoring but less structured than tutoring or consulting. Mentorship often has a more personal element and might be beneficial for both parties involved. Tutoring or consulting is tailored around solving a single problem or a specific event, task or test. While coaching can address a specific goal or initiative, a coach’s focus is to use the goal as an example for solving other problems in the future. Indeed, when working with a coach, clients develop skills and tools to solve future problems on their own.
An Executive Coach typically has a strong experience and expertise in a specific industry or competency, such as healthcare, biotech, education, or executive management, leadership transition, organizational change, etc. On top of their specialties, Executive Coaches have extensive training and background in behavioral change and personal development. Coaches come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but all of them share the desire to help others overcome challenges and achieve goals.
To get the most out of your coaching, Download this great guide "Five Ways to Use Your Coaching to Help You Develop as a Leader."
When Is The Right Time To Work With A Coach?
There’s no wrong time to work with a coach, but having a goal in mind can help the process along. It might be becoming a better team leader, improving communication and organizational skills, or simply getting through a big presentation with confidence. There’s nothing too large or too small to address with a coach as long as you’re developing new skills and addressing personal and professional challenges.
What Is The Coaching Process?
No two coaching relationships will look the same, but you can expect a few common elements.
Confidentiality. What you and your coach discuss will never leave the session. Homework. Expect that your coach requires work from you. From attending a networking event to clarifying your vision and values, the work you do during your session will typically result in specific action steps between meetings.
Be open. You might be asked to try new things or may feel uncomfortable at times. Keep yourself open to new ideas and experiences that might expand your outlook. Be dedicated. The more willing you are to work towards your goals, the more effective the experience will be. Be honest. If you don’t show your authentic self, a coach simply won’t be able to help you! Your coach wants to
help you face your biggest challenges and overcome them. Be present. Coaching is about working in the moment to create a better future. It’s uncommon that you’ll work with a coach to address problems of the distant past. Make sure that you’re fully focused on yourself and your
personal growth during your coaching sessions.
How Do I Know If Coaching Is Working?
As discussed earlier, coaching helps you find solutions to immediate problems as well as giving you the tools to solve future conflicts. To measure the effects of coaching in the short term, it can be helpful to set measurable, realistic goals. Goal setting. Setting your goals can be done in many ways. For some, having a timeline helps, and most coaches are happy to work in 30, 60 or 90-day sprints for specific goals like preparing for a speech or polishing interview tactics. On the other hand, coaches will also help you work towards more fluid goals, such as team management or conflict resolution. Reflection. Some goals, like finding a new job, are visible and concrete, while others can’t be so easily observed. In both instances, you’re working towards a goal and positive change, so make sure to take the time to reflect on your sessions and witness the progress you’ve made.
Don't forget! To get the most out of your coaching, Download this great guide "Five Ways to Use Your Coaching to Help You Develop as a Leader."
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