According to Stanford University, one in three CEOs works with an executive coach. Countless other corporate leaders do as well. They're like elite athletes, in training to run their fastest race or play their best game. Times have changed from the days when coaches were brought in to solve leadership "problems." Today, an executive coach is seen as a game-changer, raising the bar even higher for high potential and high performing leaders.

Why consider a coach?

You've heard the expression that it's lonely at the top. You've probably experienced it first hand. You're surrounded by people all day, but you're on your own when it comes to the things that keep you up at night.  

Sometimes I'm hired as a coach for no reason other than to be a trusted advisor. We talk about personal leadership, professional growth, and pressing concerns about the business. More often, several other factors also come into play.

Here's the short list.

The best executive coaches provide a fresh perspective on challenging and lingering issues. Sometimes that's all it takes to shake things loose and create momentum for progress in the business.

Once you choose to work with a coach, you have an important decision to make.

How do you choose the right coach?

In many ways, choosing an executive coach is like choosing a business advisor. You want someone who has worked in environments like yours and with people like you, who comes highly recommended. There's so much value in working with a coach who gets it - who knows your world. This is a baseline requirement.

You'll meet coaches who are highly credentialed on paper, but have never been in an executive position. You'll find people with big and splashy programs, highly branded, who try to mesmerize you with bright and shiny objects. Don't let yourself by lured by professional jargon and noise.  

Hiring a coach is a very personal choice. It isn't about specific criteria, as much as it's about "fit." As you try to choose a coach, ask yourself these questions after you interview candidates.

1.  Do I value this person's expertise and experience?

2.  Is this coach appropriately curious, able to understand my opportunities and challenges?

3.  Do I like this person?  Am I comfortable with them?

4.  Do I trust this person?  Will I let my guard down and share openly, without hesitation?

5.  Is feedback from others overwhelmingly positive about this person's capabilities?

If you can answer "Yes" to most of these questions, you're making the right choice.  

My approach as your coach.

Every leader has unique interests, opportunities and challenges. That said, there are certain coaching areas that make sense for almost everyone. Leaders are best served by focusing on success across three key measures.

1- Who You Are

- Understand your leadership profile

- Refine your persona and presence

- Elevate by leveraging key strengths

2- What You Do

- Assess your strategic priorities

- Examine opportunities, challenges

- Drive alignment and momentum

3- How You Do It

- Deepen trust and followership

- Explore team dynamics at all levels

- Manage Exec/Board relationships

Everything exists in the context of everything else. That's why we cover so much territory and that's also why my experience is valuable to the coaching process. As you read testimonials from my clients you’ll see benefits are broad.

You don’t have to go it alone.

I can engage with you and your whole team as an "advisor," or I can support you entirely behind the scenes as a confidante, collaborator, supporter and coach.  The best part?

Pure support and guidance.

No ulterior motives.

No politics.  No positioning.

No self-serving agendas.

No concern over sharing vulnerabilities.

I'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about how I can support your success.  You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a discussion about how I can help. Learn more about my background here. Or read what others have to say about working with me here.

Or even better?  Let's talk today.