subject: Improvise your skill more through executive coaching [print this page] Improvise your skill more through executive coaching
Companies in Chicago and everywhere face unique challenges on a daily basis, especially when the economy is bad. While more traditional methods such as power and control and command and compliance were used to motivate employees to tackle these challenges, companies are now seeking different methods, which focus on empowerment of employees in order to maximize their potential. Hamlin, Ellinger, and Beattie claim in their article "this new paradigm of management calls for new facilitative behaviors that focus on empowerment and employee development" (2004). A new approach being used in order to empower and develop employees is individual coaching. This paper will focus on what coaching is, why it is important in a down economy, the different types of coaching, the process involved, and a brief look at how the Corporate Learning Institute approaches coaching.
One might ask, what exactly is coaching? Zeus & Skiffington claim that coaching is "essentially a conversation within a productive, results-oriented context (2001). They further note coaching is mainly about learning, reinventing oneself, and is where change and transformation happens. Coaching is more than just about asking the right questions and getting the right answers, but more about a collaborative alliance between a coach and their coachee. Coaching is also unique in the fact that it operates on the emotional plane in the sense that by recognizing and understanding feelings, that different behavioral possibilities can be realized. Coaching can be seen as a basic process, which aids individuals in maximizing their potentials and their performance.
Aside from what actual coaching is, what is a coach? Frederic Hudson notes in his handbook of coaching that a coach is "A person who facilitates Experiential Learning that results in future-oriented abilities. The coach is a trusted role model, advisor, wise person, friend, steward, or guide. A person who works with emerging human and organizational forces to tap new energy and purpose to shape new visions and plans, and to generate desired results. A coach is someone trained and devoted to guiding others into increased competence, commitment, and confidence" (Hudson, 1999). A coach has the unique ability to see what others may not see, via their high attention and listening skills. A coach is in the position to step back from the situation so that they have enough distance from it to gain perspective. Chicago Business Coach have the ability to help people see the difference between their intentions and their thinking or actions, as well as aid others in breaking through patterns of collective illusions an self-deceptions caused by defensive thinking and behavior (Hargrove, 2008). Essentially, coaching is consistent feedback to create a continual change and reinforcement of behavior in order to reach a desired result.
Coaching has become an increasingly popular route in Chicago and elsewhere for personal development. A study by Manchester Inc. indicates coaching has a return of six times its investment (Nyman & Thach, 2009, p. 19). Individuals often have a plan for their future but are unsure of how to properly execute it. They have ideas and ways they wish to grow and develop, but might need assistance maximizing their potential.
Coaching is an important tool individuals can use to gain guidance, generate ideas, and create goals. Coaching is also a positive way in which individuals can experience a boost in their confidence by taking progressive steps in their career. Coaching can also bring out new interests in people, and teach them new skills. Individuals often find coaching a refreshing challenge, and feel empowered after their sessions. Now it can be decided what kind of Executive Coaching the person needs. Each individual and situation will call for a different type of coaching session.
