Executive/Leadership Coaching - the why and the reason behind the concept

If you look at any successful athlete, performer, a growing number of CEO's, heads of government, etc…overwhelmingly most all employ a coach. Leadership coaching is not a sign of weakness or any shortcoming. It is about being great at what you do and working on becoming even better.

Executive coaching works because it allows you the time to focus on a specific area where you may need some help or support. You can work out a specific aspect of your “game” to excel at a higher level. Look at it as if you were a golfer: you might have a strong drive, or a solid put, but you might need some help with digging out of the sand-trap.

When you are in the middle of working with so much on your plate, you might notice certain aspects of your “game” that could really shine if you had the opportunity to develop some improved techniques.

An executive coach is someone who has been in your shoes and brings that level of expertise to the table to help you become better at what you do. According to publisher Fast Company, “…63% of organizations say they plan to increase their use of coaching over the next five years… and 92% of leaders being coached say they plan to use a coach again.” Coaching produces amazing results!

One of the main reasons businesses are turning to executive coaching is to support their top management in developing stronger leadership skills. Leadership development is the #1 item on most organizations "to do" lists now as they realize, as in any sport, just because someone is good does not mean they can not improve or get better.

Day in and day out, athletes work with their coaches to improve every aspect of their game and help them deal with the stress and pressure of peak performance - they work on how it impacts their personal life. Rather than waiting until something goes wrong, companies now look to bring in executive coaches to take their leaders from good to great performers. In many ways, some see executive coaching as an insurance investment, and it is paying off big dividends.

Another key reason why many businesses are turning to executive coaching is because, quite often, many executives are invited to an organization because of their knowledge and expertise of a specific business practice. That doesn't guarentee this person has the level of leadership skills needed and coporations are expecting. Engaging and motivating the CEO's team is a separate skill that can always be improved. Businesses now know that countless man hours and dollars are thrown away because of the lack of these leadership talents.

When they bring in a CEO coach to aid and assist their CEO or management team and help them build better communications and motivational techniques - productivity and workflow are drastically improved. Unfortunately many executives are afraid to ask for help because they think asking for help is a sign of weakness, when in fact, it is really looked upon as a sign of strength. More and more companies are realizing the value of CEO coaching. Executive coaching has proven to be one of the very top-performing ROI's for most organizations.

Entrepreneurs also tend to be strong at their craft, but need help developing leadership skills. They find that engaging an executive coach helps them transition from strategist and “idea” person to also being a strong leader - this gives them a huge advantage. Having a vision for a product or service is one thing. Executing that vision is another.

Building and managing a team to execute the vision is the single most point of failure for most entrepreneurs, says Inc magazine. With the current state of technology and the Internet, we are finding many brilliant young visionaries with this problem.

It is critical to find an executive coach that resonates on your level with both a personal and business perspectives. It is important that you are aware that they have qualities you seek, and at the same time, recognize differences that can be valuable in your learning process as well.

Business executives are now acknowledging the fact that their home and personal life is affecting their ability to execute and perform at work effectively as well. This does NOT mean your executive coach should be a therapist. Talented coaches  develop a strong understanding of your situation and use very solid real-world experience to help you balance both work and personal life - this is critical.

Since your coach is going to also be your confidant, it is inevitable that personal issues come up when dealing with your improvements in the workplace. Your coach is someone who you feel confident enough to trust (with confidentaily agreements) and confide in as new issues arise.

Take this opportunity to move to a more effective career.

Explore your options in a phone call with Tim Rhodes

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• TRhodes44@gmail.com  (email address)
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