Executive coaching: Leading you towards a successful future

It used to be that executive coaching was taught of as something extravagant and as a privilege not a necessity. However, with the current nature of the economy more and more companies are turning to executive coaching to maximize the potential of their leaders focusing on personal empowerment and maximizing potential. Individual coaching develops emerging leaders and employees through motivation and a basic process of aid in performance development. While this might seem an easy process; discussions with others, a little feedback here or there, and the like executive coaching encompasses far more than what meets the eye. So what exactly is executive coaching?

To answer this question we must first recognize what is entailed within the coaching relationship. A coach is in a position to step back from the situation at hand for the coachee and provide them with perspectives at enough of a distance for proper handling. Within the relevant literature and research three major categories of executive coaching exist. There is feedback coaching, in-depth development coaching, and content coaching. Each on of these processes is implemented differently and can be used according to the clients needs.

Feedback executive coaching is a type of coaching that typically is more extensive ranging anywhere from a couple months to as much as seven or eight months. Generally this type of coaching is accompanied by a 360 assessment, which serves the coach to help the leader analyze strengths and limitations.

In-depth development executive coaching is a process that can take up to one year and involves a close intimate relationship between the executive coach and the client.  Data analysis for this type of coaching is extensive often resulting in the executive coach doing one on one interview with the leader’s staff, customers, peers, and sometimes family members. Multiple assessments instruments may be used such as, 360 assessments, personality inventories and others.  Once data has been gathered, coach and client review the results identifying strengths and limitations. A development plan is thereafter crafted and the coach meets with the executive at least once monthly to measure progress and provide guidance.

Content executive coaching is a more complex and extensive process, however, it depends on the issues involved. In a nutshell this process encompasses providing executives the knowledge, skills, and tools in a specific content area. An example might be an executive that needs to learn more about foreign cultures and business for an upcoming assignment. A content coach would then be assigned to help the executive prepare for the upcoming challenge.

This new trend has by the very nature of our economy become more a necessity and less of a privilege. However, experts warn that the right type of coaching and the right coach must be matched to the client and situation for this process to be efficient. When relationships have been formed with the right match of individuals, coaches can help execute current and future business plans, assist in the maximization of coachee potential, introduce guidance, generate ideas, and overall be a resource for this with a need for personal and professional help. Experiential learning is also a great way to get acquainted with the new communication techniques and through this process you will remember the modes and ways for years to come!