It is very common for athletes at all levels to hire a coach to help them hone their skills and discover areas of their game that are limiting progress. Executive coaches perform the same service for business leaders. Coaches can help increase a leader’s awareness, confidence and effectiveness. Some of the common beliefs or excuses for not exploring executive coaching are listed below along with either example coaching questions or facts to consider.
"I am too busy..."
Many executives cannot imagine adding one more hour to their schedule for coaching. However, coaching provides executives with time to focus on themselves and a sounding board to think through challenges. Potential questions that a coach may explore are:
*What is the most important aspect of your job- and what is getting in the way of doing more of that?
*What changes would you make if you were controlling your calendar vs it controlling you?
"Coaching is too expensive "
There are no cost options for federal leaders-
*Many federal agencies have annual budget items for agency funded contract coaches.
*Other agencies have in-house ICF certified coaches in the Human Resources department or can access leaders who are coaches from other agencies via the Federal Coaches Network.
“Coaching is only for problem employees"
Today private companies and federal agencies alike recognize the benefits of coaching for their executives and high potential leaders to provide them with more personal support than merely sending to large group leadership training classes.
“People who want to stand out at work or face a job crisis increasingly turn to career coaches. There are now an estimated 10,000 coaches nationwide, up from 5,300 in 1998.”
- The Wall Street Journal
A Hay Group study of Fortune 500 companies found that executive coaching is used as standard leadershipdevelop for elite executives and talented up-and-comers.
3 keys to realizing benefits from coaching, are for you to :
1) - be open to looking at your approach to situations;
2) - be willing to make changes in how you respond; and
3)- be willing to do the work to achieve better results..
When you work with an executive coach there is opportunity for you to make changes that will increase your effectiveness resulting in positive shifts in your career. Consider exploring the coaching options your agency provides today.
The "Coach's Corner" Articles are written by Robert Oberleitner, executive coach. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Robert Oberleitner.
Executive Coaching