One-third of organizations make use of executive coaching in developing people for executive roles. Most organizations continue to rely upon custom training and developmental job assignments as the foundation of their leadership development approach. But executive coaching is far more effective.
Executive coaching consists of four basic stages in the coach-executive working relationship: awareness, analysis, action, and achievement
1. Awareness: An executive coaching intervention’s “awareness” stage begins with a meeting between the coach and the executive team. The coach participates in discussions to know about the client’s background, goals, and expected outcomes at this stage. An in-depth interview is part of this process, in which the executive’s background, career, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations are discussed.
2. Analysis: The second step of an executive growth is analysis. The client may take one or more assessments, and other stakeholders are interviewed. Following that, the coach and client meet to set expectations and discuss competencies for success. A strategy can be created, as well as a schedule of coaching calls during which progress can be reviewed and problems can be discussed.
3. Action: The third stage of a person’s development plan focuses on specific changes that are required to achieve the individual development plan. This may require the client to try new behaviours and reporting back to the coach, as well as strengthening crucial organization relationships. The client and coach engage on a regular basis to ensure that the growth plan continues on track and to discuss successes and challenges in specific scenarios.
4. Achievement: The executive coaching intervention is a three-step process that begins with a self-assessment by the client and input from stakeholders. The coach begins a “phase-down” stage in which the client is asked to accomplish more and more of the target behaviours on his or her own after the client and stakeholders agree that the programme has fulfilled objectives. In the last coaching session, a formal follow-up session can be held to seek feedback, acknowledge successes, and present a final report on the outcome.
Successful executive coaching is a defined process with a framework in which each coach and client can customize steps and activities for maximum effectiveness. Executive coaching is the best way to ensure executives meet and exceed expectations.
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