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The Most Effective Method for Executive Coaching

Guest post by: Roger Ingbretsen

Article Overview: The most effective method for executive coaching is appreciative coaching. Appreciative coaching is asset-based. It builds on the existing strengths of the individual creating a bold use of natural strengths which will produce a highly desirable future. It values the best of what is, looks at what might be, and aligns values, structures, and processes toward accomplishing the possibilities.

The Most Effective Method for Executive Coaching

Wherever there are performers or people who need personal instruction or direction you can find someone who is capable of helping them move to a new level of performance. “To coach” comes from the English root word for a particular kind of carriage. The meaning of the verb to coach is: “to convey a valued person from where he or she is to where he or she wants to be.” How do you think you should take your valued people from where they are to where they want to be? A great coach takes people to where they want to be by helping them build on their strengths and providing them with a new perspective.

In its simplest form, executive coaching can be defined as the assignment of a coach to a person whose job is, in essence, to teach skills that will specifically raise that individual’s performance. If an individual needs improvement in an area, such as communication or interpersonal skill development, a coach can provide one-on-one instruction. Coaching can also be used to help an individual promoted from a “doer” job to a “leader” role by helping the individual acquire the necessary understanding and skills required for the new position. This model is referred to as deficit-based (i.e., define the problem and train in or out the deficiencies). This can be an effective approach to coaching; however, there is a much richer, longer lasting, and more significant direction executive coaching is now taking in the organizational setting. It is called “appreciative coaching.”

Appreciative coaching is asset-based. It builds on the existing strengths of the individual creating a bold use of natural strengths which will produce a highly desirable future. It values the best of what is, looks at what might be, and aligns values, structures, and processes toward accomplishing the possibilities. This allows the individual to co-create a sustainable, preferred future. Rather than a fixation on simply minimizing faults, weaknesses, and plugging the holes of personal failings, which is important to do, the vast majority of effort is expended in capitalizing on and developing the collective and unique talents and strengths of the individual.

People who are playing from their weaknesses cannot inspire much confidence in themselves or others. Working from their strengths is a much more effective approach. In fact, working from strengths and competencies is the cornerstone of leadership “presence.” As the executive works from their strengths and competencies, and are clear about the goals and strategy of the organization, they then increase the very quality of leadership and become more effective.

Appreciative coaching is much more than being a credible role-model on the part of the coach. Appreciative coaching is a “shared experience” and requires that the colleague (the person being coached) have at least as big a commitment to the process as does the coach. A coach listens and watches for commitment from the colleague. Is the individual being coached truly attempting to play off their strengths as often as possible? The coach also attempts to determine, through observation and dialogue, whether a commitment to action or “doing” part of executive leadership is taking place. The coach then provides honest feedback, which helps the colleague make progress and attain new possibilities.

Appreciative coaching does not just focus on behaviors, but also builds on and enhances the business strengths and talents of an individual. Appreciative coaching takes the best and helps make it even better by expanding people’s capacity to execute and by channeling their abilities for the greatest impact. This approach to coaching will take the individual being coached from good to great because it fosters personal transformation through innate talent and inherent strength, which has a higher chance of producing longer lasting systemic results quickly. The beauty and effectiveness of being coached from a strengths basis is that it feels natural. It is a process that the executive can easily relate to.

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Article Tags: appreciative coaching, executive coaching, leadership coaching



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