Sunday 13 May 2018

Executive Coaching

Personal reflections by me, of being coached, Coaching others and in supporting Coaching Interventions in organization.
We celebrated the International Coaching Week and I was invited as a panel member at the ICF, Bengaluru Chapter, 12 May, 2018. Here are some of the thoughts I shared.
1. How is coaching perceived either as an enabler or as a differentiator within the organisation given that there are several other forms of support / learning available?
a) A Coach provides presence as a container for what is moving within the client. It is a reflective space.
b) There are several interventions: Leadership Training, Projects, Mentoring, Counselling, Therapy, Skill building, Knowledge modules/Functional skills and all have their place. Some arguably, are more useful in developing Leadership/management skills, and especially at lower strata of the organization where mostly it is ‘doing the doing’ or even ‘managing the doing’, these other learning interventions are more important. Where leading the company or function, and where experience and knowledge is not at a discount, Executive Coaching can be a powerful potent tool. 
c) Just self- awareness by itself is not enough, you need Knowledge, business perspective and awareness of one’s value systems and beliefs, and also Authencity. 
d) Coaching to succeed is not an intervention by itself. It is a 1:1 supported self-reflection and where people have this ability, they can absolutely gain through Vipassana, Meditation, etc or even the path of spirituality. 
e) How we set up the Coaching process is crucial – no one needs to be pushed into it but sees it as an invitation to explore. Several years back employees felt they were fodder to ‘experiential programmes’ and resisted passively or actively. 
f) We’ve come a long way from yester years where coaching was perceived negatively – as someone who is ‘damaged goods’ (pardon my strong phrase). Today, Employee sees this as a signal that the company sees him as a valued asset, has higher expectation from him. And as coaching itself is moving away from Hybrid, and becoming more pristine, the client begins to take accountability for change and makes resultant commitment. 
g) In my 3 decades of experience in HR coaching clearly differentiates over assessment and development centers internal / external training programs. While short term bubble assignments including foreign exposure and actual internship are great perspective builders, I however contend that coaching specific to supporting leadership standards / performance is clearly a differentiated tool. I say this unabashedly, as my own internal value survey scores(NPS) has significantly changed and for 25+ DILT employees the value survey on manager effectiveness has also shown positive increase which is a clear ROI. Again, during my 2 ½ odd years as a coach having supported over a 100 clients (participants) I can attest personally to the power of coaching. As an aside, just the presence of the coach and the acknowledgement itself creates the movement.  
2. Why is coaching still tagged as an 'executive privilege' in many organisations?
a) Rightly speaking, coaching is expensive, relative to some other programs and has currently being used for the upper 10% of the organization. I am not sure it’s a privilege but an organizational necessity. One of colleagues at Diageo who has been recently coached was sent for a vacation for 5 days to an island in a previous organization he had worked for. Up until then, he had seen this gesture as the gold standard of being valued by his organization. Not any more He shared with me that an equivalent amount had been spent on him on coaching at Diageo and he felt that this was 5 lacs been put in his bank account with compound interest. 
b) Statistically, coaching is more at Leadership levels, recently across a slice of the HIPO’s especially those on pipeline for growth. 
c) Organisations are mitigating this, by providing Line managers as Coaches, but falling short of dedicated full time specialized coaches. In IT Companies, you have scrum leaders or black belts (GE) who are fully specialized. Here, we have to make a distinction between coaching (verb) by line managers with that of a Coach (noun) assigned to leaders. At Diageo, as part of the Amazing Manager’s Programme, one of the robust modules is Breakthrough Coaching. 
3. How are internal coaches perceived for their value vis a vis external coaches? What would be the synergy, harmony and differentiating need for internal Vs external coaches? 
a) All leaders must be able to direct create affiliation vision set pace be democratic and coach. These are part of the essential golf kit of a leader. However, external coaches, particularly with ICF credentials are experts and bring value in supporting senior leaders on their leadership journey. To summarize, the line manager needs to be a coach as one golf club in addition to many. The external coach is the expert. This is analogous to, an MBBS, GP doctor versus the specialist doctor. While an internal line manager can coach, an expert preferably external should be brought in.
b) Even if the organization has trained certified experienced coaches, there is still an issue: these coaches will have the respect but may not win the absolute trust. Especially, in the case of line manager who exercises judgement on performance as well, it would be impaired.
c) It’s quite possible for peers to give astute insights on internal political dynamics, even tips, like a Virat Kohli to a Shikar Dhawan, but that’s not coaching. Finally, the ‘confidentiality’ and personal sharing that is essential for true exploration may be impaired as the perception would be that it would ‘leak’ consciously or unconsciously. The Coach is ‘part of the same family’, while the external coach is viewed as being objective, professional and whose code of professional conduct would not allow to divulge confidential data. Regrettably, on the flip side some external coaches have taken refuge in this ‘confidentiality clause’ to avoid explaining impact and performance outcomes. It is critical Coach and Organisation have to enable perspective creation without recourse to be divulging confidential data.  
d) External coaches should not be left by themselves to coach. The performance of the Coach, the eco-system interfaces, and boundaries need to be well managed for external coaching to succeed. One cannot abdicate or delegate the leadership journey to external coaches. 
e) Chemistry of the Coach and Client, understanding of business perspective, and how the coaching is formatted within the larger talent agenda is critical for this to succeed.
In conclusion, and as closing comments, I’d like to close by saying, that executive coaching is one of the several learning interventions. Context makes a big difference to what learning interventions are ordered. Coaching is no silver bullet. Its needs the scaffolding necessary for it to succeed. It is not an intervention by itself, and by no account does it address issues of organization systems and systems theory which also impact organizational dynamics by elements of politics, boundaries, resources allocation and resource hoarding, etc and unconscious projective identification and unconscious bias that also needs to be understood and only through which organizational renewal is possible. 
Executive Coaching is in its heyday now, it’s well poised at this juncture and a powerful tool where organizations are working with this mindfully. No matter how seductive as coaching finds variations in Life Coaching, NLP Coaching, Mindfulness, Transpersonal Coaching and some forms, I must add, which appear to be fads, the primary linkage and purpose is to enable the client to unlock her potential to deliver the Business Performance. This primary task should not ever be lost. 



34 comments:

  1. I agree - the coaching experience has transformed my own blind spots into something which I can mold to make a difference to business as well as people I interact with and keeps the virtuous cycle of engaging more energy in this activity. Line managers allocation of time on subordinate coaching and impact on Leadership Standards and moving the needle on quantitative scores in the standards will transform organisations in the future

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your website is very beautiful or Articles. I love it thank you for sharing for everyone. Executive Coaching

    ReplyDelete
  3. organzational and executive coaching - Our public speaking seminars are custom catered to your specific organization's needs. Join our organizational executive coaching and mentoring to guiding your life.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Executive coaching

    Our Services - We provide leadership development services for our clients based on proven frameworks and principles, including being Data Informed and have a Future Focus around emerging technology, and as Virtual Leaders. Our Services extend to online training courses for employees and contractors to help them understand data privacy protection for both the organisation themselves.

    to get more - https://braintree.net.au/our-services/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Executive coaching near me has become a major leadership development investment and a pre-requisite for high performing/high potential executives and managers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for sharing such amazing post, i really liked it.

    I would also like to suggest you to go with Pepworldwideasia for Virtual Leadership Coaching in Singapore. Contact us to join virtual executive coaching classes in Singapore.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good information for those who are looking for executive coaching . This would help learners to gain knowledge and effectively use their learning in their practical lives. Executive coaching helps you achieve desirable results thus, becoming more successful and more prosperous in life

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for sharing this blog with us. Keep sharing more. Check out the Leadership Coaching Services by Coach Dr. Paras, a well-known leadership coach all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This blog is more informative on executive coaching
    executive coaching

    ReplyDelete
  11. Leadership is about practice. Anyone can't be a good leader in just a few days. They have to be strong enough to handle their own attention first. They have to spend at least 50% of their time leading themselves. executive coaching . can help you hone in on your most compelling attributes while you harness your ability to motivate and inspire.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent way of describing!!! Executive coaching help you bring various radical yet positive changes in your professional life.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We intend to act as an enzyme for organizational and individual modification by employing coaching. To get conversant with our executive coaching and Leadership Development methods please attend our website.

    ReplyDelete
  14. At the moment, executives have this preconceived concept that every goal is results-oriented. The issue with this idea, though, is that the process is sacrificed. Dezin's specialized professionalexecutive leadership coachingin India is provided for highly engaging and individualized sessions, which would be advantageous to both individuals and businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Reach out to Dezin Company'sExecutive Coachingwhich develops highly effective leadership in your managers. It will undoubtedly benefit your organization in the long run by promoting it and paying immediate and long-term dividends. Additionally, we assist businesses in choosing better customers. Combining your efforts with those of our professionals enables your business to stand out from the competition.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Currently, executives have the misconception that every goal is results-oriented. Executive Coaching These coaches are ICF Certified and have the necessary training, expertise, and experience to comprehend the situation on the ground. For Executive Coaching

    ReplyDelete
  17. Through its top Executive Coaching Dezin Company can quickly and dramatically reset your company for the better. We'll make sure to address all of your flaws while highlighting your main areas of strength. We are passionate about helping others grow and succeed so they can excel in their respective fields.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more info about life coaching. Please keep sharing..!
    life coaching

    ReplyDelete
  19. If you're a company or an individual seeking top-notch executive coaching in India, Dezin has the best Executive Coaching and Leadership Development programs accessible. People who have worked with our executive coaches have said that working with them has made them feel more inspired and empowered.

    ReplyDelete
  20. People can sign up with the Dezin Company if they desire to climb the corporate ladder. Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Dezin company’s business leadership coaching assists many businesses in achieving their goals, finding success, and developing a more balanced outlook on life in general.

    ReplyDelete
  21. There is a reason why the best coaches are constantly sought after by top leaders to help them move on to the next phase of their journey. You have no restrictions with Dezin Company's Executive Coaching and Leadership Development programmes. By learning new growth techniques, our leadership coach can assist you in achieving extraordinary outcomes and being the trailblazer you desire.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dezin company’s experienced coaches meet each individual's unique needs by setting goals executive leadership coaching creating a workable plan to achieve those goals. Participants in our collaborations have reported feeling energised

    ReplyDelete
  23. At Dezin, we train leaders in such a way that they are equipped to handle the difficulties that come with the position and advance the business Executive Coaching and Leadership Development we give them the tools they need to fulfil their full potential and create a pleasant and inspiring work environment

    ReplyDelete
  24. We at Dezin provide business professionals with the resources they need to fully realise executive leadership coaching The programmes, which have been professionally created, contain the best instruction.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice blog, thanks for sharing the content. You can read more about executive coaching here!

    ReplyDelete
  26. In order to guide teams through change, burnout, and economic uncertainty, businesses require skilled managers. Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Dezin’s Executive Coaching and Leadership Development program help leaders face the challenges that come with leadership and also leads the company to the next level.

    ReplyDelete
  27. To find leadership coaching near me , you can use online directories, search engines, or ask for recommendations from colleagues or professionals in your network. Be sure to research and evaluate the expertise, qualifications, and track record of the coaching providers to find the one that aligns with your needs and objectives.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Executive coaching has truly become a game-changer in the corporate world. As a witness to its transformative impact, I've seen leaders evolve and businesses thrive under the guidance of experienced executive coaches. The personalized approach to leadership development, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making is unparalleled. It's not just about professional growth; it's a holistic journey towards unlocking one's true potential. The insights gained from executive coaching ripple through the entire organization, fostering a culture of excellence. If you're a leader navigating the complexities of the business landscape, consider the profound benefits that executive coaching can bring to your personal and professional journey. Thanks for sharing this informative blog with us.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great Content! Thanks for sharing.
    Our Executive Coaching in Ireland helps you unleash your leadership potential. Coaching programs designed for executives enable them to overcome challenges, improve leadership skills, and boost professional development. Visit our website to discover how our experienced coaches guide you towards achieving your goals. Elevate your leadership journey with Insightful Works today.

    ReplyDelete
  30. With a team of experienced coaches, the Dezin consulting firm provides personalized guidance and support to executives and professionals. Leadership Coaching The company offers top-notch Leadership Coaching services to help individuals enhance their leadership skills and reach their full potential.

    ReplyDelete

Join me with your reflections, observations and perspectives. Please do share. Thanks, Steve