Some Truths About Executive Coaching
Executive coaching is the new state-of-the-art for career development. It’s like having a professional mentor–but much more.
I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem previously thought unsolvable.” ― John Russell, Managing Director, Harley―Davidson Europe Ltd.
Traditionally executive coaching supports very senior leaders, so most of us don’t have much experience with the process. That model is changing, however, with the availability of more group coaching and online resources available to individuals and companies alike. So no matter what your level, it might be a good time to explore what executive coaching is, and what it’s not. Here are some truths about Executive Coaching.
Truth #1: It’s Not Magic, But It Feels That Way
No one knows what’s it’s really like to be you, but it’s also true that you can’t see yourself objectively. A good coach gives you exactly the perspective on yourself you need to shift the 20% inside you that will blossom into the 80% you need to make your life, work and career path more successful. It can feel like you’ve tapped into some amazing superpowers you never knew you had lurking inside you.
These little changes you can make inside–to manage your thoughts and feelings–dramatically change the levels of stress you feel and the impact you can have in your day-to-day life. Coaches also give you tips and tricks about how groups and organizations work to help you hear what others aren’t saying (but do mean), and navigate tricky interpersonal situations with bosses, staff and your peers. When you know these inside secrets, you suddenly “get” why you’ve been struggling and you’re immediately inpowered to find the solution that makes the most sense for your situation.
Truth #2: You Get To Make Your Own Rules
One of the most valuable things executive coaching does for you is help you understand which of the “rules” that you’ve been taking for granted, are really the “rules” you should break. With a coach’s guidance you quickly see your career development options–inside and outside your current situation–more clearly and you make more powerful choices as a result. You have more confidence about the direction you’re choosing and that confidence shows in your personal brand for others to see. In our business culture, confidence is rewarded and doors start to open, both within your current situation and outside it as well.
When it comes to tricky interpersonal relationships, with your boss and key staff people for example, a coach’s guidance and tools can help you find your way constructively out of conflict to find truly good-feeling solutions to challenging relationships. You can quickly identify which of your assumptions and judgements about yourself and others are making your relationships more difficult and discover ways to reframe them (or release them) so they’re more helpful to you.
Truth #3: You’re Working Anyway, Choose To Get More For Your Effort
Can you get ahead without an executive coach? Sure! But a coach will save you time and missteps along the way. This doesn’t mean you get to kick back and let the coach do all the work. Far from it. Just like on the sports field, coaches provide guidance and you do the work on yourself to build the skills, behaviors and insights that define success for yourself so you can get there on your own terms. You’re already working hard in pursuit of your success, why not work smarter and reach your goals faster?
Jump into your stretch zone and see what happens.”
Take charge of your career development to get the job that supports your work and your life. Check out the tools and resources in the InPower Coaching Career Center.
