The Executive Coaching Process
An outline of the processes deployed by Yvonne for a typical executive coaching assignment; and when working with clients to improve overall effectiveness
‘I seek to be as flexible and versatile with each coaching assignment, providing a client centred and expert approach’
A typical Coaching Assignment lats for an average of 4-6 sessions (90mins) sessions with some ‘homework’ undertaken by the client; and regular contact is offered if any issues arise between sessions.
Coaching sessions are usually conducted away from the office (at Potential Unlimited premises @ 6-8 Vernon Avenue, Clontarf) to minimise distractions for the client and provide much needed ‘head space’. Coaching can also be conducted via zoom
Goal
What do you want to achieve?
Reality
Where are you now?
Options
What options do you have?
Will
What choices will you make?
Executive Coaching
Chemistry Session
At the outset, a chemistry session is set up to enable you (as the client), to meet Yvonne (as the Coach). The purpose of the session is to provide:
- Clarification on what coaching is /is not!
- Compatibility in terms of style/approach
- Agreement on the logistics – location, dates/times, duration of the sessions
- An opportunity to ask any questions of clarification/concerns about the process / and of the coach
Goal Setting and Contracting
The focus of the first coaching session is on the overall desired outcomes that you wish to address. For example, this could be anything from preparing for a career change or a promotion ; improving an aspect of your leadership style ; Achieving more career/life fulfilment. Agreeing these outcomes and goals from the outset are key to the success of the Coaching process and, to working in close partnership together.
Reality
A ‘safe space’ for the Client to talk through their life & career journey to date and ; to provide more context of the current situation, including the opportunities, the challenges.
Many people come to coaching as they have no one they can trust to talk to – Potential Unlimited has in-depth professional experience and will enable the client to talk openly and in confidence.
From the discussion, using a range of inputs will be used including the use of psychometrics (or 360 degree feedback), interviews with stakeholders to enable the Client gain a deeper insight to their strengths, development areas, style and impact on others. These diagnostic tools often form the basis of robust individual coaching plans. This will be discussed further and agreed with the Client.
Exploration of Options
Throughout the Coaching Assignment, the Client will have the opportunity to explore all the issues impacting on the achievement of the Goals/Outcomes. The Coach will enable the Client to explore the range of options and potential ‘solutions’.
It is important to remember that it is not the Coach’s job to ‘tell’ the Client what to do ; However questions will be asked to foster self discovery and of course will provide feedback and insights will be provided to help to raise self-awareness, or help reduce any ‘blind spots’.
Action & Review
To sustain any behavioural change, it is important that you have a ‘living’ Development Action Plan that outlines, SMART goals, measures of success, and any resources / additional support required. At the end of each session, you as the client commit to taking actions to practise the new behaviour / adapt style etc. Clients sometimes prefer to have regular ‘check-ins’ in between Coaching sessions to help maintain the momentum.
If you are being sponsored by your organisation for coaching, its often appropriate for the development plan to be shared with the line manager to get further input and ; Usually at the end of the Coaching Assuagement, a 3 way interaction is agreed to maximise your success and potential.
