Inside of your fast paced world, executive coaching carves out uninterrupted and intentional thinking space for you as a leader. It also provides an accountability structure for you to implement your most important priorities.
Coaching means time for strategy development and effective decision-making. A coach uses many tools; among them are powerful questions,
assessments, and feedback.
The top professional association in the field of coaching, the International Coach Federation, defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
I have been asked what entrepreneurs and other leaders tend to work on with a coach. Here is an example. When I first spoke with John, he and the engineering firm with whom he had been working for several years were looking for a more flexible arrangement for his work to increase financial returns. He wanted to change his status with the firm from employee to outside consultant in order to work with partners to develop and sell his own products to his firm.
Through working together we designed a win-win exit and re-entry strategy for John and the company, leading to his new consultant status. John stepped up. The implementation was successful. He has since shared with me that he is living his dream of greater flexibility and consistent income while increasing his level of productivity. This new arrangement allowed John and the firm to gain a sharper competitive edge and increased profitability. John reports that he couldn’t believe the results turned out so much better than he expected.
Engaging an executive coach can be one of the most powerful and transformative actions you can take as a leader. Here are seven proven benefits to consider.
1. Designing strategies that will keep you a step ahead
It’s a challenge for most leaders to carve out regular thinking and strategy time. Coaching creates that space for you and your team. One of my client team members recently said that they were amazed at how much “important stuff gets done during our team coaching sessions.”
2. Increasing self-awareness, especially of strengths and weaknesses
When you as the leader become aware of your strengths you can apply and build on them more effectively. When you know your weaknesses you can make choices about them, such as delegating, outsourcing and learning. When you have this awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses, you are equipped with the data to build a team around you that is diverse.