What do you think of when you hear the word coach? Some people think of a sports coach and may have fond memories if they played sports at some point in their life and had a coach who helped them become a stronger athlete or team player, for example. 

Similar to having a sports coach help one become a stronger, better athlete and team player, many leaders and employees identified as being a “high-potential” choose to partner with an executive/leadership coach to be challenged and supported to perform at their maximum level and reach a higher potential.

What does executive leadership coaching look like?

There is no one way a coach works with a client. In my work as a coach, I often help my clients to increase their self-awareness, uncover their strengths and how to best leverage them when working towards their goals, and challenge them to step into discomfort as this is where growth happens. Most people consider one perspective, that is, what immediately comes to mind; I challenge my clients to consider various perspectives to ensure they get out of their “head”, helping them to let go of limiting beliefs and realize what else might be possible. Communication always comes into my work with clients, whether it’s helping a client to be a better communicator, including deeper listening and being able to set clear expectations, to giving effective feedback and understanding how to engage in difficult conversations, to name a few. This focus is critical as 60-80% of issues that arise in the workplace are a result of miscommunication or poor communication.

Between meetings, my clients are focused on actions to help deepen their learning and push to reach their higher potential. This is just a snippet of our work together.

I also support teams with team coaching, which often involves guiding the teams to create a culture of psychological safety and trust, communicate more effectively, and increase collaboration, all leading to improved performance.

Companies support coaching for many reasons.

To name a few:

• Support their people to become better performers; stronger and more effective
• Enhance communication
• Improve decision-making
• Create a healthier culture
• Decrease unhealthy conflict
• Strengthen employee engagement
• And more

Have you or your company ever engaged with an executive coach? As fourth quarter 2024 is within our view, companies are increasingly contacting me to work with their leaders, their high-potentials and their teams. Some who held off earlier in the year for budget purposes, now realize how critical it is to invest in their people, whether through individual or team coaching, and/or workshops. Interested in learning more? Let’s connect.

“Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I’ll remember. Involve me, and I’ll learn.” – Marla Jones