Is Executive Coaching Right for Me?
Roberta Matuson
Strategic Advisor on Talent | Global Executive Coach | Public Speaker I Brand Ambassador | HBR Contributor I Helping organizations attract & retain the best people.
Choosing to work with a coach is a significant decision. Not only is there the cost involved, but also the time. I've been thinking a lot about this over the past few days, as I prepare to begin an executive coaching assignment with a new client today.
I have no doubt this client will be highly successful. Otherwise, I would have turned down the job. That's because executive coaching is not right for everyone.
Here's how to tell if executive coaching is right for you.
Executive coaching isn't something that's done to you. It's something you do for yourself. I can't tell you how many times potential clients ask me what I'm going to do to fix their problem when the real question is what are they willing to do to fix what's holding them back.
When I partner with a client, we're on this journey together. I'll offer advice, which my client can always choose to ignore. I'm okay with that, as long as they have taken time to consider what I'm saying. If you're going to dismiss what your coach has to say before reflecting deeply, then do yourself (and your coach) a favor. Don't engage a coach.
It takes courage to work with a coach. Yesterday, I met with a client and went over his 360, which provided him with insight as to how others in the organization perceive him. Many comments were favorable. However, there were also a lot of comments that were less than flattering. It takes courage to open to feedback and to ask for help.
Not everyone is ready to hear the unfiltered truth. If you fall into this category, then you're not ready to work with an executive coach.
Executive coaches don't generally work for free. People reach out to me here on LinkedIn and other places all the time, asking me for free help.
Listen, if you're not willing to invest in yourself, why should I invest in you?
Working for free wouldn't be fair to my paying clients. I mean, how would you feel if you wrote someone a check, only to find out that your friend paid nothing for the same service? You'd probably be ticked off.
There are plenty of free and inexpensive resources out there for those looking to boost their leadership skills. Google around, and you'll find books, online courses, and seminars in your local area.
You have to be fully invested in the coaching process to achieve stellar results. Those who are unsure if they're ready are best off waiting until they are able to fully commit.
? Matuson Consulting, 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Special offer:
Serious about engaging a coach for yourself or someone in your organization? I'm offering an additional month of coaching to those who sign up for one of my coaching programs. Reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more.
This offer expires on December 31, 2019. Happy Holidays!
Business Development Manager at Providence Plumbing and Providence Restoration
4 年I think some have thought to hard about what I said. Exactly, none of us are perfect. A Coach is a teacher. That is there to help us. That is all. Everyone learns in different ways. Some like to read. I like to read then ask questions. Neither way is wrong.
Financial Advisory Intermediary Service (FAIS) Compliant
4 年#RobertaChinskyMatuson! You've laid out a route: Don't engage a coach. I'm a prolific reader. All my existing knowledge stems from reading. I've made a comment: I can put a book down when the author steps on my toe. But I can't fight a coach. That's the reason why people aren't prepared to listen to you. You've trampled on their toes. Extraordinary article.
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4 年Ur amazing ????
Principal Rainbow kids public school satna m.p.
4 年Nice