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How Do Coaches Help?

Based on the readings reflect upon the statement below.

To be an executive coach, it is necessary to know that clients are the first and best experts capable of solving their own problems and achieving their own ambitions; that is precisely the main reason why clients are motivated to call on a coach. When clients bring important issues to a coach, often they already made a complete inventory of their personal or professional issues and identified all possible (known) options. Clients have already tried working out their issues alone, and have not succeeded.

Executives, for the most part, have demonstrated that they have a high level of skill.  Through years of experience they have increased their capability and knowledge to successfully accomplish their jobs.  In addition, executives have a high level of motivation to perform at a high level. They are high on the Skill/Will matrix.  Because executives are high performers, coaches should be aware that they are in the best position to solve their own issues and overcome their own problems.  Coaches simply help them walk the path that leads to the best decisions. “Today, most coaching is about developing the capabilities of high-potential performers” (Coutu & Kauffman, 2009).

There are numerous benefits that can be derived by engaging an executive coach.  Coaches can help leaders see themselves more clearly. Without the ability to see themselves clearly, and lead themselves, they will not be able to lead others.  “accurate self-awareness in leaders is highly correlated with organizational effectiveness and profitability, and employees prefer to follow leaders who see themselves clearly” (Anderson, 2017).  Once leaders have gained the ability to see themselves clearly thy will be in the position to see others as they really are. A coached executive will be able to recognize and assess the strengths and weaknesses of others more accurately.  Coaches can help leaders respond in new ways (Anderson, 2017). Oftentimes leaders have been promoted to management positions because of their strong work ethic and ability to tackle a tough project. However, when promoted to leadership, the context has changed.  No longer is the leader responsible for actually performing the work; he or she needs to learn to delegate, organize, and lead teams to get the job done. Coaching can add to the leadership toolbox. Coaches can help leaders “leverage your existing strengths” (Anderson, 2017).  On occasion leaders are unaware of their own strengths and abilities. “Having an effective and supportive coach can also help you see and leverage strengths that you already have but that you may be underestimating” (Anderson, 2017). Coaches can help leaders build more productive relationships (Anderson, 2017).  Oftentimes leaders build and foster the strongest relationships with those that are similar to them. However, building relationships with a wide variety of people has added benefit. One of the most important functions of a coach is to help leaders achieve what they want. “This is the bottom line for an effective coaching engagement. A good coach can help you get clearer about your goals and dreams, and about what you're capable of doing in order to achieve them” (Anderson, 2017).

Often when a leader has engaged the assistance of a coach he or she has already tried to resolve the issue alone, but without success.  Coaches can help leaders identify alternative solutions to issues that may not be apparent. Coaches help executive expand their abilities, come to conclusions, and resolve issues on their own.  They help them to see themselves and others more clearly, learn new ways of doing things, leverage their strengths, build relationships, and achieve their goals (Anderson, 2017). “The kind of coaches I am talking about will do more than influence behaviors; they will be an essential part of the leader’s learning process, providing knowledge, opinions, and judgment in critical areas” (Coutu & Kauffman, 2009).  

References

Anderson, E. (2017). 6 Ways an executive coach can make you more successful. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2017/11/20/6-ways-having-an-executive-coach-can-make-you-more-successful/#52cab33263d5

Coutu, D., & Kauffman, C. (2009). What can Coaches Do for You? Harvard Business Review, 87(1),91-97