Whether you’ve personally decided to have executive coaching or your employer has provided you with one, executive coaching is a big investment in terms of both time and money. Therefore, it’s essential that you know how to get the most out of the process. An executive coach can work to help you reach the next level of excellence within your industry, and achieve any goals you may have. Here, we’ve put together a list of some of the things to consider before or at your next coaching session:
Keep a journal
If you haven’t started doing this, keeping a journal in between executive coaching sessions can prove extremely beneficial. When you’re working in real life, think back to any advice your coach has given you, and record how you used this in a real-life situation. Bring the journal to your next session, and discuss it with your coach. This can lead to a more meaningful discussion and deeper-rooted questions.
Be open and honest
For coaching to be effective, it’s important to be transparent with your coach so they know the most effective way to help. Without a good connection, you’re unlikely to see good results. Your coach will also be transparent about their answers and advice. Many people find it difficult to express when they are struggling or feeling vulnerable, but it’s useful to prepare yourself for this in advance so you don’t miss out on valuable coaching opportunities.
You should also prepare to be challenged by your executive coach. They encourage you to try and think critically in order to achieve your goals, allowing you to step out of your comfort zone. After all, if you’re going to stay within the confines of this, executive coaching may prove pointless in the first place. Go in, and come out of your sessions expecting change.
Identify your goals in advance
While your coach can help you reach your goals, they won’t come up with them for you. It’s important to have an area you wish to focus on through coaching in general, but also in advance of each individual session. There may be multiple concerns you wish to address, but it can be helpful to order these in terms of importance, and discuss one or two at a time. Remember the famous quote – “If everything is important, then nothing is.” [Patrick Lencioni]
For more information about executive coaching and its benefits, don’t hesitate to contact us at Anthony Gregg.
