People often think of leadership as a solitary endeavor. It can feel that those to whom you report expect you to keep everything running smoothly under all manner of circumstances, and those who report to you expect you to have all the answers regardless of the situation.
As a firm rooted in shared governance, we at AGB Search believe leadership is maximized when developed within a framework that invites collaboration and cooperation. In that spirit, leaders can benefit from having a trusted partner to walk beside them on their leadership journey, offering support and guidance along the way. That partner is an executive coach.
Do you find yourself:
Considering the next steps in your leadership career path and contemplating how to achieve them?
Needing an objective thought partner with whom you can discuss leadership concerns candidly?
Exploring new ways to hone leadership skills and inspire your team?
Lacking clarity in how to evolve with the changing expectations of higher education leaders?
Struggling with the challenges facing higher education institutions?
If you answered yes to one or more of these, you are not alone. Many higher education leaders recognize that these questions are actually opportunities to grow and advance their careers. By simply asking these questions, you are also demonstrating your passion for higher education and its impact on our communities and society. You chose this career path for a reason, and becoming a better leader strengthens your team, your organization, and the sector.
Executive coaching offers tangible benefits that afford advantages across the organization. According to the International Coaching Federation, executive coaching clients have reported the following coaching outcomes:
70% increase in individual performance
50% increase in team performance
48% increase in organizational performance
But what do these increases really mean? Coaching clients have reported results such as improved relationships with staff, peers, and stakeholders. They have also noted an increase in commitment to their organization and satisfaction within their positions.
Executive coaching also has shown to augment clients’ self-confidence, approach to problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Perhaps most importantly, an executive coach will help elicit the extraordinary leadership capabilities that already exist within you.
Working with an executive coach can be a game changer in terms of advancing your career. However, just as with any partnership, it takes dedication and commitment to be successful. Below is an overview of the process and how executive coaching clients can get the most out of the coaching engagement.
When it comes to engaging with an executive coach, fit and alignment are paramount. AGB Search offers a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your coaching goals and what you are looking for in a coaching relationship. Our goal is to match clients with the best coach for them.
During the sessions, you and your executive coach will discuss a variety of topics related to your leadership journey. You will review progress to goals, problem-solve, role play, and more. It is so important to honor this time by showing up and being totally present.
In between coaching sessions, there may be occasional homework, such as journaling, follow-up emails, or documenting progress and challenges. To make the most of your sessions, it’s critical to complete the homework and come to each session prepared for the discussion.
During the coaching engagement, you will want to begin incorporating your learnings into your professional life. Doing so throughout the engagement affords the opportunity to discuss your progress and challenges with your coach.
Leadership development is an ongoing process that requires continuous cultivation. Throughout the executive coaching engagement and beyond you will put the strategies you have developed into action. You will likely continue to refine them to best address your organization’s culture, environment, and situation, and to respond to ongoing change.
As previously mentioned, fit is critical to a successful coaching relationship. There are other qualities to consider including coaching methodology, credentials or certifications, and proven success. Be sure to use your initial consultation session to ask questions, and follow up with the coach’s references.
A relationship with an executive coach may be one of the most important professional relationships you will have. Even the most experienced leaders need to be supported (and challenged) to lead different teams in various circumstances. Most assuredly, having a trusted partner who is deeply invested in your success will serve as inspiration as you take the steps to invest in yourself.
To learn more about AGB Search’s Executive Coaching Service, email monica.burton@agbsearch.com.
