Executive Coaching - The Why, What and How of it

Ms Archana Krishnamurthy
Certified ICF Master Coach

 

Introduction

Executive Coaching is a neuroscience/brain based scientific approach that is best suited to get a clear understanding of one’s true potential, identify deep-rooted behavioural blinders and obstacles; and come up with ways that are self-driven and unique to each individual to progress towards creating a truly fulfilling personal and professional life as per one’s innate gifts and potential.

What is Coaching?

Coaching is not consulting, mentoring or advising, in that, it is totally coachee focussed and driven. Coach supports the coachee’s to become aware of his/her goals and in a structured manner help his/her journey as an accountable partner, helping the coachee’s to acknowledge and celebrate every achievement and learn through deep insights from every step through the process.

 Who is Coaching for?

Coaching is best suited for individuals who have reasonable levels of exposure and experience in various aspects of life but either lack clarity on way forward or feel stuck and unable to grow beyond where they are. Some may feel they know what they want, they also know how to go about it, but even then, find themselves not doing what they know very well they should be doing!!

When and Why is Coaching required?

If help is not sought or provided at the right time, many may feel frustrated, lacking in motivation and self-esteem to initiate any positive action or try anymore to achieve their potential, somewhere deep down they know they are worthy of. If one is at this stage, coaching may be a good intervention to help get clarity, support and motivation needed to move forward.

How does Coaching work?

Coaching is a 12-week journey, where the coachee is supported by the coach to:

• ·      Set 3 primary SMART goals to achieve by the end of 12 weeks;
• ·      Devise strategy and milestones;
• ·      Develop detailed weekly action plans;
• ·      Review and make necessary iterations; and
• ·      Most importantly learn healthy new habits and discard old harmful ones to achieve       success in life.

Every week on a set date and time, coach and coachee meet online for 45-60mins for 12 consecutive weeks.

Essentials for Coaching to be Effective

While the coach is committed to serve the coachee’s interests without any personal motive, as a professional engaged in a noble field and provides a safe space by maintaining professional confidentiality for coachee to work on himself/herself; coachee needs to commit to sincerely go through the process and put his/her best-foot forward to see the amazing results in such a short span of 12 weeks, which can be rewarding and truly life-changing.

A coach and coachee’s relationship is like that of a doctor and patient. While it is critical that the former is suitably qualified and skilled, should be more importantly someone that the coachee has faith in. Coachee’s belief and respect for the coach goes a long way in making the process fruitful.

There is no specific formula, as we know, for faith, belief, or regard in a professional, except that the vibe that one radiates and the word of praise from those who have experienced the coach, is what may do the trick. However, it is not just about the coach, it can be something to do with coachee’s past experiences which causes him/her to feel comfortable or not in the coach’s presence. In any case, point is, if the comfort level is not working, then coaching will not work and hence is essential that the coach and coachee both to feel comfortable in each other’s presence and feel positively motivated to work together.