Coaching and Training
the Leader within Each of Us
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Coaching and Training |
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Coaching 10111/28/03What is executive coaching? What is life coaching? Who is qualified to offer these services and how is coaching different from consulting, therapy, or chatting with a good friend? Coaching is an emerging field with roots in organizational development and the human potential movement. The process may be internal to an organization, for instance a large organization may development a coaching program to develop specific competencies in individuals that align with its vision. More often, coaching is an external process, especially when confidentiality is required for an individual to develop specific skills or competencies. Think of those who are the most "high potential contributors" in your organization. What would it take for those individuals to move to the next level? Wouldn't it be worthwhile to target your investment in them with a professional coach? The coaching process always includes an assessment phase where individuals take self inventory forms or meet with prospective coaches. After determining a good match, the terms of the coaching sessions are defined contractually. These may include direct meetings, phone meetings, or combinations. These sessions may also include meetings with other stakeholders who are close to the coaching client. Services are paid hourly or daily by retainer. Outcomes are pre-defined and renewed at least quarterly, at most after each session. Some distinctions exist between types of coaching. Executive coaching is designed for clients within organizations and should focus on the individual and organizational visions or desired outcomes. Life coaching is a personal commitment and may extend to any area of one's life such as work-life balance, career goals, or personal satisfaction. There are coaching specialists who address specific needs from mid-life career change to dealing with ADD. There are key distinctions between coaching and consulting. Coaches usually ask powerful questions such "How can you make that goal happen?" or "What would it take for you to call that person?" Then good coaches hold the client accountable, while encouraging them and offering techniques for their success. Consultants are hired to solve problems and provide specific information. Hence, consultants will often make statements rather than ask questions. In coaching, the client is expected to do the work. And frankly, most of the work occurs between coaching sessions. Another key distinction should be made between coaching and therapy. Many coaches have no direct experience in the mental health profession. Good coaches should recommend other specialists if needed. Coaches focus on the client's immediate and future needs. Therapists focus on the client's present condition and the factors that led to that condition. Good coaches are action-oriented, helping individuals take the steps they need to make the desired changes. So how do you determine who is a qualified coach? Start with the professional associations and make certain that any prospective coach has been trained and certified by one. The umbrella is the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and it has set the standard for ethics, professional standards, conferences, articles, etc. There are a number of service organizations that have recently emerged. Some of these have a specific niche (e.g., Lawyer Coaches, Christian Coaching) or are relatively small. Others offer free information and open admission online, such as Coachville.com. Selecting a good match is essential in the coaching. The best analogy may be athletic. When you select a tennis partner you want someone who will challenge you to work hard, improve your game, and move to the next level. Anything else is a waste of your time or money. What is my return on investment? "A Fortune 500 firm and a coach services company recently researched the business benefits and ROI for an executive coaching program. The bottom line: coaching produced a 529% ROI and significant intangible benefits to the business. Including the financial benefits from employee retention, which boosted the overall ROI to 788%." (details here.) If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call. So what is your next step? Doug Gray, PCC, can be reached for a complimentary session. Call 704.895.6479 immediately! |
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