Executive Coaching in Turbulent Times.Executive Coaching Executive coaching basically refers to bringing about an improvement in the overall personality of an individual for a better outcome professionally. These are like any other coaching classes; the only difference is that they are meant for business executives, entrepreneurs, HR in Turbulent Times What is going on around us, even as I write this article, is unprecedented. None of us is immune to the anxiety, uncertainty and fear facing us every morning as we ready ourselves for yet another day of the same. What has gone on around us, and within us, this past year would have seemed unimaginable two years ago. To name a few: Corporate malfeasance The commission of an act that is unequivocally illegal or completely wrongful. Malfeasance is a comprehensive term used in both civil and Criminal Law to describe any act that is wrongful. Possible confrontation with North Korea Venezuelan oil crisis Global Geopolitical ge·o·pol·i·tics n. (used with a sing. verb) 1. The study of the relationship among politics and geography, demography, and economics, especially with respect to the foreign policy of a nation. 2. a. uncertainty Financial Market decline Major corporate downsizing (1) Converting mainframe and mini-based systems to client/server LANs. (2) To reduce equipment and associated costs by switching to a less-expensive system. (jargon) downsizing International economic downturn What seems to be out of our individual control rolls along unchecked. The ripple effect ripple effect Epidemiology See Signal event. of the economic and political landscape not only influences our businesses, it deeply touches our families, personal lives and professional futures. To be relevant, Executive Coaching must bring a perspective that meets realities, not theoretical possibilities. To begin, it has to engender en·gen·der v. en·gen·dered, en·gen·der·ing, en·gen·ders v.tr. 1. To bring into existence; give rise to: "Every cloud engenders not a storm" the spirit of taking charge; focusing on what can be done; living in the present; leading through turbulent times. So, where does Executive Coaching fit into all of this? How can Executive Coaching help? Is Executive Coaching even relevant in the face of such profound events? The following seven observations come directly out of my experience and the experience of my colleagues as we approach these momentous challenges. Observation I: The Best Coaches in Turbulent Times Have Unique Skills and Experience They are: Focused on business objectives Focused on leadership issues and initiatives Focused on personal management, leadership agendas Encourage preemptive pre·emp·tive or pre-emp·tive adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of preemption. 2. Having or granted by the right of preemption. 3. a. and innovative thinking and strategies Combine the business knowledge, experience and clinical skills, and a lofty perspective of leadership and business High intuition; high speed thinking combined with thoughtful consideration and clarity in communication Instinctive knowledge and awareness of cross pollination pollination, transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ (stamen or staminate cone) to the female reproductive organ (pistil or pistillate cone) of the same or of another flower or cone. of industries and functions Cutting edge multicultural knowledge Out of the box thinking and ability to translate into implementation High sensitivity and awareness of interpersonal dynamics, communication innuendos, and motivational factors Observation II: Companies Have a New Challenge: Who Gets Priority? The major categories are leaders and managers, high potentials, and valuable "fix its." Who gets the priority? Where is the best Return on Investment (ROI (Return On Investment) The monetary benefits derived from having spent money on developing or revising a system. In the IT world, there are more ways to compute ROI than Carter has liver pills (and for those of you who never heard of that expression, it means a lot). )? Do they use a formula to determine who gets coached? Current trends are 50% of coaching funds go to the leadership and "beyond expectation performers" (with possible behavior challenges). 45% of funds go to high potentials and 5% to "fix its." Serious consideration is given to individual circumstances and reasons for coaching. Observation III: Coaching is Now Held to Standards Required for Most Business Investments Specific goals, targets, deadlines are set. Metrics are established. Tangible ROI calculations are demanded. Coaching is no longer at arms length and private counseling (without corporate participation) is no longer tolerated. Observation IV: Coaching is Now Sought After development Tool, Often Initiated by the Individual In the past years, most often the manger manger cattle trough which served as crib for Christ. [N.T.: Luke 2:7] See : Nativity and/or human resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. have determined who needed and who deserved coaching. Today many valued executives and managers are requesting coaching. Coaching has become as sought after and valued as athletic coaching is for the professional and serious amateurs alike. The individual and those around her/him in the organization observe the value. Observation V: Executive and Management Coaching Continues to Thrive in Turbulent Times Corporations and organizations have continued to use executive and management coaching during these times despite layoffs, cost cutting and poor economy. The leadership team, key managers, and key people have to deal with increased pressure to meet stretched targets, reduced resources, tough market conditions. The better they lead and cope the better the ranks and business performs. Coaching is key. The leadership teams will never be without coaching. Key managers and key people will be provided coaching on a selected basis. Truncated truncated adjective Shortened versions of coaching will be used in combination with leadership programs. Observation VI: Accreditation or Certification for Coaches Essential for Credibility Accreditation Training Supervision Experience criteria Competencies metrics testing evaluation Certification In today's world, anyone can call him, or herself, a coach. Corporations have the right to expect the highest level of experience and competency. Certification by respected entities is necessary. The accreditation process must have rigorous standards. Training to include didactic di·dac·tic adj. Of or relating to medical teaching by lectures or textbooks as distinguished from clinical demonstration with patients. and supervisory components. Observation VII: Coaching is Being Used for Transitions More Than Ever Fortunately there has been increased awareness of the complexity and hidden pitfalls in transitions within the workplace. Typical transition scenarios include: A higher level position within the organization. Moving into another business within a corporation at CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , executive team, or other significant levels. A new merger or acquisition. Executive Coaching provides increased awareness and sensitivity to the cultural, relationship and personal issues, which are challenging when managing transitions. Individual coaching, team facilitation Facilitation The process of providing a market for a security. Normally, this refers to bids and offers made for large blocks of securities, such as those traded by institutions. , leadership/integration feedback all smooth the path for change. Statistics have shown that most often "soft issues" are the cause for early departure of CEOs and other executives. What are the Future Considerations? Accreditation/Certification will be required. Higher standards will be demanded. Specific types of coaching will be codified cod·i·fy tr.v. cod·i·fied, cod·i·fy·ing, cod·i·fies 1. To reduce to a code: codify laws. 2. To arrange or systematize. , with areas of specialization within coaching field. Confidentiality issues in coaching and the coaching process will be reviewed (e.g. corporate possession of 360* reviews) and changed. Individual coaching will never be replaced by training or development group work. My Ending Observation: Executive Coaching is in a radical evolution. Difficult times bring unprecedented challenges which lead to creative innovations. So many people and corporations have learned the benefits of "being there" for each other in turbulent times. Each of us has to ask every time we meet a new challenge, what is unique here, how has the present environment shaped this person or this organization? We must then chart new waters. Old solutions to new challenges will not work. Albert Einstein got the essence when he said, "You can't solve a problem with the same intelligence that created it." Our challenge as Executive Coaches is to shape our extensive business knowledge, interpersonal expertise and problem solving problem solving Process involved in finding a solution to a problem. Many animals routinely solve problems of locomotion, food finding, and shelter through trial and error. abilities into a heightened, practical intelligence. Our job is to re-instill in the hearts and minds of our clients: confidence, efficiency, values and trust, so we can all get each other through these unprecedented, turbulent times. By Kathleen G. Strickland Kathleen G. Strickland is Founder and Chairman of The Strickland Group. The Strickland Group, Ltd., headquartered in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , is a leader in helping clients worldwide tackle individual and organizational challenges. The firm is a developer of leading edge consulting services in the area of executive coaching, communications, career management and management consulting Noun 1. management consulting - a service industry that provides advice to those in charge of running a business service industry - an industry that provides services rather than tangible objects . They can be reached at (212) 447-6600 or please visit http://www.stricklandgroup.com |
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