Executive Coaching
What is executive coaching? “Professional Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses, and organizations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.” — International Coaching Federation Definition of Coaching
Executive coaching is called by many names: Leadership Coaching, Executive Mentoring and Business Coaching. The objective is always to help each client where they want help. The key is to co-create a plan that helps the customer. Each client’s situation is different. However, of the two examples provided, leadership and executive coaching are much more related than business coaching.
Why Hire An Executive Coach
Age matters in executive coaching. In a recent study some facts are revealed:
The thirties are often characterized by intense activity to establish the foundation for a successful career; this involves mastering rules that win approval. In contrast, the forties often involve a turning point from novice to mentor, which may bring a deeper appreciation for life’s paradoxes. The seasoning that comes with age includes expanding one’s appreciation for subtlety, ambiguity, and imperfection. MORE
Transition Coaching
These rules don’t always apply when coaching executives but I agree with the findings in general. One of my areas of speciality is Transition Coaching. Early in our careers, we are focused on earning a place in society; to develop our profession, family and friendships. At mid-life (approximately 35 years old), we all start asking if this is all there is to life: go to college, get a job, get married, have children and living with a feeling of emptiness. Mid-life transitions are all very similar. We get a feeling and start thinking that something isn’t quite right. We begin to struggle on this journey by remembering things we did as a child and wonder why we stopped that activity. Or, we ask ourself if we are missing something. When I was in my mid-life event, I started gardening because I am typically not a sensory person. This makes more sense to those who understand Myers/Briggs personality testing. I make most of my decisions based on intuition. Once we take this inward journey, we live there for a while and do crazy things out of need to fill this emptiness. MORE
So whether you are young, mid-life or in twilight of your years some rules apply. However, as with anything, don’t make assumptions but rather verify your assumptions before preceding with your approach.
