Coaches are normally hired by either organisations or privately by individuals. One-to-one coaching draws out profound potential and takes people beyond what they thought they were capable of achieving. Coaching will help managers to identify their strengths, to develop their skills and to build momentum.
Business today is fast-paced and ever-changing and managers need to be proactive in developing their abilities to ensure that you succeed in this business climate.
Turning to an Executive Coach is just like using a sports coach, helping and guiding individuals to success in areas of their career where they need it most; for example where they have significant management challenges, are new to a role, have significant changes occurring in their organisation or have performance issues that need addressing.
An Executive Coach will support them and help them to develop and sustain new skills, ensuring they move towards greater effectiveness. The focus is firmly on developing performance.
Coaching is a partnership between client and coach and as such personal chemistry between the manager and the coach is very important. It is also important that, where possible, the coach works closely with the organisation to ensure that coaching meets all objectives.
The benefits of using a coach can include:
• improvements in leadership performance
• increased motivation
• better working relationships within the team and organisation
• improved work-life balance and reduced stress
• professional development and improved career prospects
• improved communication
• increased confidence
A programme of around six sessions, each lasting 1.5 - 2 hours on a monthly basis is usually recommended and can be carried out either face-to-face or by telephone. During the first session the individual and their coach get to know each other and agree a working framework, areas to concentrate on and the desired goal. Once coaching begins, the coaching sessions themselves are only part of the picture: the coach can provide as much or as little email support and back up as required.
Further information can be found at:
The International Association of Coaching www.certifiedcoach.org
Association for Coaching www.associationforcoaching.org
