Maximize the investment in leadership coaching
Leadership coaching provides a way to fast-track development of a leader. Since it is an investment in time and money, companies target coaching for leaders worth the investment.
Before committing to coaching, companies should determine whether or not the potential client is coachable. Some companies waste significant amounts of money and time by hiring coaches for people who are not coachable.
Traits of a coachable leader
Coaching fails most often when the company wants the coach to fix someone who is struggling and resistant. Therefore, the company should carefully consider which leaders will benefit from a coach.
A coachable leader is one who:
- is open to development and learning
- has curiosity
- wants to grow their career
- trusts the coach and the related expertise and the coaching process
Actions of a coachable leader
Coachable leaders will:
- come to sessions with a willingness to participate
- work on planned activities in between sessions
- reflect on the sessions
- continuously try to build learning into everyday work
Every leader expresses their coachability differently and will vary on these characteristics.
Some experienced executives seem gruff and closed off, but really open up in the confidential coaching sessions with an external, objective coach. They needed a safe person to be a sounding board.
Sometimes resistance can show up in a passive way such as a client who talks a lot in the session and then takes no action.
Questions to ask before approving coaching
If you consider investing in coaching, think about those coachable characteristics.
Does the potential client seem to fit the description of a coachable leader?
If you are not sure, ask HR folks who work with the leader. They often witness the leader in different situations.
Still not certain? Ask the leader if she is willing to embrace the coaching experience and listen for a sincere and open response.
If the time is right and the client is ready, coaching can be transformational!
More information about executive coaching
Howell Leadership Science and the related Coach and Client Interaction Model.
What is executive coaching and how does it work?
Research reveals the secrets of a great executive coach
