4 Reasons to Do Executive Coaching (#169)

One of the great things the Army did for me was to use True Growth Leadership as an executive coaching service during the pre-command course at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During preparation for both battalion command and brigade command, I was able to do a 360’ evaluation, get one-on-one feedback from a retired general officer, create goals for myself, and continue to use the senior mentor as a resource during my time in command. It really helped me achieve a higher level of performance.

Since I started TFCG, I have gradually grown my executive coaching service as a way to provide the same impact to others that I received from True Growth. Executive coaches are a common tool in business today. But what are the real benefits of using an executive coach? As I work with incredible leaders from across the country, there are four clear reasons I see that leaders should consider using an executive coach:

Reason #1: Gain a Clear Outside Perspective

Like most people, leaders often do not perceive themselves as others do. Working with an executive coach helps remove the blinders that leaders may have regarding how they communicate, come across to their direct reports, view their own skills and capabilities, and perceive their organization’s challenges. Developing and gaining a more accurate perspective is important since having an accurate perspective of yourself, your strengths, and your gaps is highly associated with achieving success for an organization.

I like to begin my coaching work with reviewing either a 360’ feedback tool, a Hogan Personality Inventory, or both with the leader. Together it helps the leader and me understand where their strengths are and where there is room for improvement. Once we have a common understanding of the start point, it is easier to set goals and develop a plan of action.

Reason #2: Build More Effective Teams and Better Relationships

Working with an executive coach can help a leader broaden their perspective, make more inclusive decisions, and become more productive. It can also provide a leader an additional perspective on their team dynamics. Finally, a coach can help provide accountability for a leader working to repair poor communication or fix an interpersonal issue with a peer or boss that may have been holding the team back.

One of the things I stress with most of the leaders I work with is how are you recognizing excellence in your team? Are you using your corporate programs? And have you sent a hand written note to someone lately? Acknowledging the great work that is happening in your group can help make a more effective team.

Reason #3: Support and Accountability

Executive coaches provide emotional, strategic, and mental support when a leader needs to navigate a new challenge or try to reach a gritty goal for herself or the organization. An executive coach provides support, but more importantly he also make sure a leader stays on track. This means that the coach provides support in formulating goals, accomplishing them, revising them as needed, and finding ways to keep working towards those goals when things go sideways. If a leader isn’t sure how to best measure progress towards goals, an executive coach can make recommendations on how to proceed and help keep track of progress.

Physical fitness is an important aspect of my life and one I believe is essential for high performing leaders. As an executive coach, I try to provide accountability for leaders not just on their personal and professional goals, but with their physical goals as well. Whether it is playing golf better, walking every day, losing a few pounds, or riding their bike — having to tell someone what you did or didn’t do every two weeks can help get you into a better place physically.

Reason #4: Achieve Goals

Finally, executive coaches help leaders see their goal, break it down into manageable steps, and provide accountability as the leader works his or her way to the objective. I have also been able to encourage leaders to take on stretch goals, which they might not have attempted otherwise. It has been incredibly rewarding for me as I have watched amazing leaders set challenging goals personally, professionally, and for the team, work diligently towards them, and accomplish them.

Conclusion

Whatever reason you decide to work with an executive coach, make sure that the purpose is clear between the both of you as you begin the relationship. From my perspective, one hour every other week with an executive coach can make an incredible impact on your leadership skills and take your performance to a higher level.

Interested in improving your leadership skills and accomplishing your goals? Let's work together to make sure your personal purpose, goals, and perseverance are aligned and you are the best leader you can be. Contact me here for a free consultation on executive coaching.

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