4 Important Stages of Executive Coaching

In today’s corporate world, there’s often a huge gap between what executives are expected to do or become, and the kind of help they can avail or access to help them meet all those expectations.

Although executive coaching is designed mainly to bridge such gap, very few companies and organizations are taking advantage of this type of coaching program. What they do, instead, is rely on traditional developmental and training programs as their primary leadership development strategy.

So why consider executive coaching? Is it a more effective approach to developing people’s leadership skills? Understanding the basic stages in a coach-executive mentoring relationship will give you a better idea of how it can benefit companies and organizations.

AWARENESS

The first stage is awareness, which is when the coach and the executive team formally meet. During this stage, the coach engages in discussions to learn about the client’s goals, background, as well as expected outcome. This stage is necessary to ensure that the executive team is committed to undergoing the coaching process.

ANALYSIS

The second phase is analysis. It’s possible for the client to undergo only one or multiple assessments, while other stakeholders need to be interviewed. This is followed by another meeting between the client and the coach to talk about target competencies for success, set goals and expectations, and analyze results from interviews with stakeholders. It is also during this stage that individual development plans are finalized and sent to the management and the HR head.

Related: How to Manage People Who Are Your Former Peers

ACTION

In this phase, the client pays attention to the necessary changes that will enable them to fulfill their individual development plan. All through this stage, the coach and client are in constant communication, either by phone or in person. This is to ensure that the development plan will not be taken for granted, and that successes and potential problems will be discussed.

ACHIEVEMENT

The final stage is the achievement stage. At this time, surveys are given to stakeholders so they may provide feedback on the improvement and progress of the client. The results of such surveys will then be discussed with the client, and when necessary, they may be documented as well.

Conclusion

An executive coaching program is structured and a well defined process wherein an executive coach and the client may customize activities and action steps that will put them in a good position to succeed. In order for this relationship to be successful, commitment on both parties, the coach and the client, as well as all stakeholders is necessary. Remaining committed to the program will ensure that the organization’s current and future leaders are prepared and skilled enough to take the company to greater heights.