Executive coaching has been proving its metal for many years now. It is almost the norm (but not quite) in many organisations. So, it is interesting to consider the question again…why choose executive coaching?
Executive coaching provides, what many would consider to be, a vital component to managing life and work.
As a result, like anything that becomes the norm, it can be taken for granted.
Let’s begin with what I see as key components:
Relationship. It is the relationship between coach and client that provides the robust framework that holds the work. Without this relationship it becomes only transactional. A set of learnt behaviours.
Trust: The framework that holds the relationship needs to be based on trust. This trust supports the exploration of who the client really is. Only when the client can speak freely will change happen. Thus, confidentiality is the core that enables truth to flourish.
Authenticity: Speaking the truth and trusting that the coach can hold it is vital for the client. The authenticity of the coach invites the truth of the client. It provides a robust space for exploration, to face unspoken thoughts.
Equality: many leaders experience executive coaching as part of their work package. It is often isolating at the top so to have a space where the ground feels even and safe is revelatory.
Empathy: to put your shoes into the world of another whilst keeping one foot in your own world provides a solid space to lead from. Empathy, often seen as a soft skill, it not only important for a leader, but it is also vital. Experiencing empathy in executive coaching supports the client in developing the skill in their work and home relationships.
Why would you choose to experience executive coaching?
I have worked with 1000’s of people over the last 20 years. People who are very successful and who none the less struggle in some way.
Let’s face it, life happens, **** happens.
People die, some get married, some have children and some fail to conceive. Some have issues with anger. Others drink too much or use another addiction to manage life.
People are made redundant.
People are promoted.
People struggle with work relationships.
No matter how successful someone is they are often faced with doubts.
Confidence and self-awareness: to understand yourself and grow in confidence (not arrogance) will draw out the best leader within you. It is an infectious quality that will encourage healthy work relationships.
Increased motivation: work weary leaders impact teams negatively. Executive coaching can support increased motivation. The whispers in your head will have a space to be aired and not judged. To be understood and put in their place.
Life balance: understanding yourself more brings a balance that ensures a better life. Stemming the leaks and overflow that can impact different areas of life.
Social skills: developing empathy is one of the most important skills for a leader. If your team can speak to you about anything, knowing you will listen you will have a trusting team to work with.
There are so many situations that executive coaching is useful for. So, if you are a leader with a troublesome team. Or if you are struggling yourself then why not give it a shot?
As Victor Frankl wrote: ‘Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is or power to change. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.’
Executive coaching may well be that space.