Executive coaching...
Nowadays it can feel like there’s no end to ways in which employers can train, motivate and manage the members of their team and it’s easy to come at a loss when deciding which one to choose. But, if there’s anything that the pandemic has taught us, it’s that the workspace is always changing (just look at remote working!) and that workers are continuously needing to adapt to such changes and utilise the relevant skills to do so.
So, how can businesses and employers help give their teams the skills needed in a time of economic and industry uncertainty? This is where executive coaching comes in.
What Is Executive Coaching and How Does It Work?
With origins going back to the late-’70s, executive coaching, also sometimes known as 1:1 coaching or performance coaching, is a system by which workers find the skills and resources within themselves to complete the tasks and challenges they have been set. This is what makes it different from mentoring or training, as no new skills or methods are introduced, but instead found within the existing capabilities of the individual who is undergoing the coaching.
It’s important to note that developing and refining skills is not just for the people starting on their career journey or beginning a new role, but for everyone who desires to be the best professional that they can be. Executive coaching takes this idea and turns it into concrete action.
The process usually takes the form of an executive coach, a qualified professional or competent leader, coaching the worker with a focus on improving performance and behaviour. The coach helps the individual identify and understand their competencies, their skills, how they’re perceived by others, and their duties. All are performed to highlight what the person already has to achieve the goals that they have been set and to clarify a plan of appropriate action to reach said goals.
Why You Should Use Executive Coaching
What makes executive coaching stand out is that it can be used on all levels of a business and on any member of a team. It has the underlying ideology of helping yourself, to help others. Developing a manager’s potential allows them to thrive in their position by being a more competent leader. This can be seen in improving communication, better goal setting, building stronger relationships, increased decision-making, and much more. Likewise, coaching a team member can increase motivation and efficiency with high worker retention as a result.
Additionally, since executive coaching is very goal-based it can allow team members to achieve the goals set in the workplace or to assist a wider team goal or project. This feature relates to the quick and short-term nature of executive coaching, a huge benefit in times of busy or uncertain periods.
How Can It Be Implemented?
When providing executive coaching a safe and structured environment needs to be provided to support the trainee. This not only allows them to speak freely but increases effectiveness and professionalism.
The next step often involves the recruitment of an executive coach or executive coaching plan to carry out the process. If you think executive coaching could be beneficial in your workplace then simply get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.