Coaching is, simply put, a tool for personal, leadership or organizational development and growth. It is a discovery methodology used to uncover answers to existing issues that are hindering the ability to move forward, improve and achieve goals. Coaching has been in existence forever – actually since Socrates. The methodology is called Socratic Questioning. Let’s review a moment:
Socratic questioning is a form of disciplined questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes. Purposes include: exploring complex ideas, to get to the truth of things, to open up issues and problems, to uncover assumptions, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we do not know, to follow logical consequences of thought or to control discussions. In layman’s terms it’s a methodology to question your questions.
Coaching has come into its own within the last 10 or so years through various titles, niches and specialties. The results have proven to be excellent. In the business realm, coaching programs provide the individual, leader and/or organization with clear, non-biased insight through systematic and practical discovery sessions. The sessions help the individuals and leaders reach self-awareness thereby optimizing capabilities.
Leadership Coaching is an effective methodology that delivers an unquestionable view into the individuals and leaders personality and their respective leadership styles. Assertiveness, charisma, a systematic approach to decision making, autonomy, independence or self-motivation are a few of the characteristics and personality traits that are revealed in the discovery sessions. Coaching techniques are not limited to an individual, they can also be used as a tool for the development of high-performing teams through Group Coaching (another article).
Executive Coaching is slightly different. While the discovery sessions are similar, Executive Coaching leans toward a more specific set of abilities. These abilities are crucial for the success of any senior executive who might be facing challenges in running an organization. The key focuses are: Does s/he have a strong Business Strategic Vision, or the ability to see “the big picture?” Are his/her Personal Leadership skills strong enough to guarantee the loyalty and the support of a motivated team? How will s/he utilize People Development Skills to enable the adequate delegation and foster the creation of an ambitious and demanding team? In a single (and my favorite) word: Can s/he empower? Is s/he a clear and concise Communicator? This is a key capacity in conveying the right message to your team. Is s/he willing to delve into Self Analysis and investigate and work on his/her own limitations and growth opportunities to ensure efficiency?
In hiring a Leadership or Executive Coach, the sky is the limit. Together you will SOAR – Stretch your limits, Optimize effectiveness, Actualize your goals, Realize positive and profitable change. What have you got to lose?