What an exciting weekend of football! It got me thinking about what is often the difference between a good athlete and a great one.
The answer: their coach.
While athletes are the stars at the competition, it’s often their coaches who form the backbones of their careers. Whether it’s Biles or The King or Messi, winning performances are delivered through the combined efforts of both athletes and coaches. As has been proven in many cases, without a competent coach, world-class athletes can miss reaching their full potential.
The same is true in business.
High-performing executives know the power of coaching and the values that only a great coach can provide. As Mark Benioff, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or any other of the over half of the Fortune 500 executives would agree, having a great coach can make the difference between a “gold medal” performance or one that ushers the leader out the door.
If these titans of industry rely on top-notch coaches to boost their careers, where do you think you would be professionally in a year or two with one? Based on my clients, farther and higher.
So, what should you look for in a world-class executive coach?
1. Expertise and Experience: A strong background in executive coaching and relevant professional experience is essential. Look for coaches who have a deep understanding of leadership, organizational dynamics, and the specific challenges executives face. They should also have a track record of successfully coaching other executives. Being a past executive is a huge plus!
2. Active Listening and Empathy: Effective coaches are exceptional listeners. They need to understand the unique needs and challenges of their clients. Empathy and the ability to connect on a personal level help create a trusting and supportive coaching relationship. They should be able to put themselves in the client's shoes and offer guidance accordingly.
3. Feedback and Communication Skills: Executive coaches should be skilled at providing constructive feedback and facilitating open and honest communication. They must be able to give feedback clearly, respectfully, and in such a way that motivates. Effective communication skills are crucial for helping clients develop self-awareness and make positive changes.
4. Goal-Oriented and Results-Driven: A good executive coach should be goal-oriented and focused on achieving measurable results. They help clients set clear objectives and develop actionable plans to reach those goals. They should also have the ability to track progress and adapt the coaching approach as needed to ensure success.
My clients often cite these qualities, as well as my adaptability, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and, most important, emphasis on values. If you are looking for an executive coach to assist you in advancing professionally, click on the “book a call” link on my profile or message me.
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