I’ve never used an executive coach. What will the meetings be like?

In our work together, I will collaborate with you on an initial plan that we will refine and develop as you begin to work out your path forward. This process builds on leadership strengths you already possess and further refines your skill set. 

What’s the difference between a mentor or an executive coach?

Mentors can be extremely valuable in learning to navigate your career development and can be a champion for your organization. An executive coach has the advantage of being an outsider, and can serve as an accountability partner who helps you design and stay on track to fulfill your vision.

How does it work? What do I have to do in meetings?

First we will collaborate on building a roadmap for the type of change you would like to see in your organization. Then we will pinpoint those behaviors you can control to make that happen first within your select team and then throughout the group. Communication improves when leadership really begins to make concrete behavior choices and can explain those changes in plain language. These changes can only really be developed in complex, cross sectioned organizational teams.  As your plan unfolds, you will get more clarity and your communication will improve and then you can begin to have more buy in from managers. 

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and can range from a short engagement for two months to a longer more extensive process of many months. The time period also depends on how much buy in and how much priority you place on the initiative. These longer engagements require identifying priority goals and behaviors, developing team awareness of the need and then building a coalition of willing volunteers.   

I want to get the most out of coaching. What can I do to help?

Having the support of a sponsor in your business as well as their understanding of the broad goals can be critical to your success. When you encounter snares especially if you're working on change management goals, you need an executive to help support the process. You also need to be able to personally take feedback from the executive coach as well as employee surveys.