Development Coaching defined.  Development coaching is a one-on-one coaching relationship with senior executives whose objective is the development of optimal effectiveness in a leadership and managerial role. As executives progress further up the organizational ladder to the highest rungs, their needs to learn, grow and change do not diminish. Typically, the executive may need to prepare for career advancement as part of succession planning. In some, it may be to develop "soft skills" which are pre-requisites for higher-level positions in the company. For others, "unlearning" a behavior that has become a liability may be indicated, for in some cases a strength overdone has become a liability. At the most senior levels, many executives require the space and setting for reflective learning. Their roles involve managing considerable complexity and a wide span of discretion over ideas, concepts, strategies and initiatives, all intangibles, which are the stuff that either propels organizations powerfully forward or leave them mired in mediocrity.  

Applications of development coaching.  These are typical examples of development coaching: 

Facilitate the long-term development of promising and talented executives ( hi-po's) by helping them discover their potential for advancement, identify strengths and weaknesses and take steps to fill the gaps. 

Helping a newly appointed  CEO build a constructive and collaborative  relationship with his executive team, forging a compelling  vision and  mobilizing  the company to greater success in the climate of rapid corporate change.

Acting as a sounding board for corporate leaders. Leading a business or major business function can be a lonely experience. Such executives will appreciate the services of an external coach who can offer objective inputs, perspective and constructive feedback on the executives' ideas before they are taken to the next stage. 

Development coaching process. Development coaching is highly individualized. While skills and performance coaching tend to   make references to a common set of competencies or preferred behavior, a development coach approaches his client with no preconceived notions of what an optimal set of behaviors or strategies should be. Each client and his challenges are different. Clear and specific goals are usually lacking. Consequently, coaching for development tends to involve a longer period, both to reach clarity and consensus and to realize potentially far-reaching and impact-full changes.

At Coaching Associates, our coaches are themselves experienced senior business executives and will facilitate clients' developmental needs by creating the conditions for reflective learning. We do this by providing a supportive, yet challenging, relationship and dialogue in which the client will gain a holistic perspective on both his professional and personal experiences and his leadership tasks in the organization. The process is still a managed one, with regular reviews to assess progress against their mutually agreed agenda.

( View other courses )

Home,Services,Profile,Contacts,Coaches,Services,Downloads,News & Views,FAQ,References