Coaching for Executives

The Challenges of Leadership:
It's the Soft Skills that are the Hard Skills

You may be like many executives who have risen to your current position through natural talent and strong technical abilities. You might be surprised to discover that the intellectual and technical competencies that got you promoted aren't enough to make you successful at the next level. Like many other executives in more complex and challenging assignments, you may need to broaden your skills in working with people and develop a deeper toolkit of leadership skills.

A Positive Developmental Approach

I believe that:

Every leader reaches "the wall" of natural talent at some point
Learning, openness to change, and personal growth are vital for continued success
Emotional intelligence and "soft skills" are critical for effective leadership
Good coaching links the business strategy and the leader's career goals
Coaching is a partnership with the leader and the company

A Structured Process

As a psychologist and a certified executive coach, I use a structured process for executive assessment and goal setting. These procedures are designed to assist you in obtaining accurate, objective feedback on your performance. In this way, your coaching is grounded in a realistic understanding of your skills and abilities.

Typically, I will use the following strategies and tools:

Structured interviews with you, your manager, peers, and direct reports
360° Feedback instruments
On-line Executive Assessment, using:
• Self report instruments comparing you with a sample of successful managers and executives
• Myers-Briggs Type Inventory
• Firo (Fundamentals of Interpersonal Orientation)
Goal setting based on the themes and patterns which emerge in the assessment
Individual coaching sessions focused on your goals and developmental needs, providing:
• "Just in time" skill building tools and assignments
• Real time observation and practice

Coaching is a major commitment of time and energy. Generally, I work with clients over a period of 12-24 months. During this time, you will discover a deeper understanding of your strengths, natural talents, blind spots and vulnerabilities. You will recognize your impact on people and learn how to be more effective working with them. Together, we will help you build a "toolkit" of techniques, strategies and approaches for your leadership challenges.