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2010 Executive Tidbits
IBM, P&G, General Mills, McKinsey, and McDonald's have the best manager training programs according to Fortune 2009. |
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Check out Keith's other site:
Virtual Writing Coach |
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 About Executive Coaching
What is executive coaching? Executive coaching is a relationship that focuses on what the client wants, not the coach. The coach thus becomes a change agent in helping his/her client achieve a goal they thought impossible or may yet to imagine. Coaching can take the form of consultation where the coach provides laser-focused questions to assist the business executive in achieving personal or organizational growth that is measured, accountable, and based on visionary, not piecemeal goals thrown together without organizational buy-in and consensus.
What does an executive coach do?
The coaching role helps to dispel the power differential that often exists in therapy. The focus is on the client to target goals and objectives, develop and implement an action plan, and develop strategies for sustained behavioral changes. In many ways the executive coach becomes an 'inner voice' to the executive to achieve change in his/her business, whether it be team building, P&L performance, forecasting, employee morale, creating and marketing new business for business owners, investors and banks.
What can I expect from an executive coach?
You should expect a person who is on your side but will be honest with you in what constraints might be holding you back from achieving your business goals. A coach in some respects becomes a person of accountability who will hold you to task about your responsibilities for modeling change, personal growth, organizational, and executive development.
Is the relationship between coach and client a confidential one?
Absolutely. While it may feel like a close personal relationship it does not extend beyond personal boundaries. Very personal information will be shared with your coach including: financial, job, customer lists, business affairs, and other proprietary information.
How is coaching done over the Internet?
It's not. The Internet is a tool for marketing one's coaching practice. All coaching is done privately by phone, usually in 30-minute sessions. Clients are billed monthly in advance.
How can I be sure that phone calls will remain confidential?
There's no absolute guarantee but the phone is far more private than Internet, even with firewall security systems.
What does the coaching session look or feel like?
In one sense the session is a conversation with a trusted advisor. But it's much more than that. The coach's job is to listen, not to advise; to encourage, not to solve problems; to help the client visualize what is possible, not impossible. The 30-minute session goes by very quickly. There are focus questions emailed or faxed to the client before each session and there is an agenda designed by both coach and client. Homework is given between sessions. Often coaches will offer information and services via email or fax between sessions at no extra charge.
What can I expect to pay for a personal coach?
Rates vary from $150-$500 per hour, depending on experience and market niche. For general coaching on a personal goal, rates might be lower than for executive coaching. Contracts generally define the relationship with the opportunity for either party to discontinue the relationship if it's not working out for the client.
How often do we meet?
For clients new to coaching with undefined goals, weekly, 30-minute sessions work better. For more seasoned clients who know exactly what they want to do, but need that 'extra push' then one to three sessions per month might work better.
Let's talk about you, Keith. What do you offer in the way of executive coaching?
I have thirty years experience in running mental health programs in three states, founded and ran a successful business with P&L accountability to stockholders, consulted with Fortune 500 companies, and have my own psychology practice. In addition, I have a Masters of Public Health degree in health administration.
What's your business experience?
I was a founding partner and COO (from 1986-1990) of Texas Community Living Ventures, Inc., a joint venture in running group homes for persons with mental retardation in Texas and North Carolina. I also founded Northwest Mental Health Associates, a consulting firm for psychiatric hospitals. For years, I have run a private psychology practice, and have earned a master's degree in Health Administration and a doctorate degree in Psychology.
Do you have particular areas you feel competent in?
Definitely. I prefer running high-performance groups who want to develop new business strategies for improving profitability and employee morale. I am currently involved in starting a physician practice support group. I enjoy organizational development, team-building, and executive development.
What do you believe is the essential element of the coaching relationship?
The trust and belief that my clients have the potential to create a profitable and enjoyable working environment.
How does coaching differ from therapy?
Therapy is a healthcare service provided by licensed therapists. Its primary focus is to identify, diagnose and treat nervous and mental disorders. In therapy the clients discuss intimate feelings and relationships in an effort to understand causes and help identify treatment outcomes.
Learn about Virtual Executive Coaching.
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