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consultant ∙ speaker ∙ coach ∙ writer |
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Coaching the Executive for
Ongoing Success A guided process based on »Crossing The Nonsense Divide: Steps to Finding Your Path to a Successful Life« and »Make the Nonsense at Work Work for You«
In this section: 1. The power of 'why' 2. Why use an executive coach? 3. What is the role of the executive coach? 4. So what is the aim of the executive coach? 5. What should you look for in an executive coach? 6. Am I experienced, skilled and inclined? 7. How does the process work? 8. How much does it cost? The power of ‘why’ Why does ‘why?’ matter? Because it is the only way to uncover meaning, to get at what really matters, to create ongoing success in an ever-changing environment. When is the real power of ‘why?’ released? When an outsider who cares about your success has the experience and the skill to ask you the right ‘why?’ over and over until what matters is revealed. There you have it, my executive coaching style encapsulated in a one-word question. And while we’re on the topic of ‘why’, why would a right-minded coach tell executives to focus on nonsense? Here’s why: Nonsense side-tracks you from your work, tricks you into wrong decisions, and trips you short of your goals. Nonsense stops you from being successful. Why use an executive coach? You know you’re good at what you do or you would not have been promoted to executive level. Am I right? So, why are you considering working with a coach? I think that there are only two worthy reasons. You feel that you can be even better. (Maybe someone has given you this brochure because they know you can be better. What a show of support!) Or you are new at executive level and have realized that there’s a big gap between this level and where you came from. You feel just a tinge of unease, right? What is the role of the executive coach? An executive coach knows the way of the executive. He (she) has been one. More importantly, he has a history of failures and successes to share. The role of the executive coach is two fold: (a) to identify familiar pitfalls so as to guide you smoothly past them; and (b) to find ways for you to capitalize fully on your executive and leadership potential. So what is the aim of the executive coach? An executive coach aims to make you more effective (and thus more successful) than you can become on your own. Consider it this way. Some people like to do things on their own, even if it takes longer and brings more pain. Others prefer to save time and pain, and so they use an executive coach. In which camp are you? What should you look for in an executive coach? Here’s what I suggest: appropriate experience, relevant skills and an inclination to serve. We take the first two for granted and we ignore the third. And yet, the inclination to serve is critical. Here’s why. Executive coaching requires a lot of mutual trust. Not just trust based on dependency, reliability and consistency. But trust based on a mutual willingness to be authentic and truthful at all times. An executive coach who is inclined to serve in your best interests will have no problem with mutual trust. Am I experienced, skilled and inclined? Yes, I think so. After surviving my share of failures and successes as an executive, I have the experience; after more than 20 years as a consultant and coach to executives and managers, I have the skill; and I have the inclination, which is why I developed my own approach. Read what a few of my clients say and you will get a sense of my skill. Here’s a quick rundown of my executive level experience (for more, see my resume on our website):
How does the process work? We will begin by identifying specific coaching outcomes to be achieved together. Next we will develop your personal executive growth action plan. This is an intense phase and therein lies a warning–this program is not for everyone. Being an executive can be nerve-racking and executing a plan to be better at it can be exciting. And yet, some people just don’t like it that way. Until we meet, we won’t know whether my approach is right for you. That is why your first session is free – no fee; no obligation. After that we will settle on an appropriate coaching rhythm – how often and where we should meet. During our free session I will explain the process in detail. For now know this: It is based on the wheel of success, on the ‘five steps’ program from Crossing The Nonsense Divide, on the ideas in Make the Nonsense at Work Work for You and on the thinking behind the article Making Shift Happen: Managing Perceptions for Tactical Effectiveness (find it here). How much does it cost? If we need to, we will discuss fees during our first session. Here’s what you’ll get for your fee: coaching sessions; copies of my books and CD; relevant assessment tools and feedback; personal energy techniques and related material; monthly newsletter; other relevant material as needed.
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Do you feel stuck?
What 'nonsense' is #3: Deciding on what is nonsense and what is not depends on your state of mind, for what matters is not nonsense itself, but how you look at it.
No-one can tell with confidence what you regard to be nonsense.
"James’ role included monitoring the shift in culture and the stresses and tensions within the management team, including the effectiveness of the leaders. He performed exceptionally well." (Joe Wolfson; CEO; South Africa)
"There's no ego with this guy. He works hard on your problems and you'll get your money's worth. He's the real deal." (Jeff Jones; Chairman and CEO; Virginia; USA)
"James is a critical reason why we are doing well today. When we stray, he pulls us back to our purpose, our 'reason for being’. He knows us–our strengths and our challenges." (Fred Moore; Founder and President; Virginia; USA)
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© 2008 James Henry McIntosh - All rights reserved - Richmond, Virginia, USA - www.nonsenseatwork.com |
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