58 improve performance and ultimately reach their goals. But it’s not just famous people that can benefit from having a coach. If you are looking to hit business targets, overcome challenges and perform at your best – an executive coach could be your secret weapon! According to a survey conducted by Stanford University/The Miles Group, two-thirds of CEOs hadn’t received any outside advice on their leadership skills, and yet almost all would be receptive to suggestions from a coach. The statistics were based on responses from 200 CEOs, board directors, and other senior executives’ questions about how they receive and view leadership advice. Receiving coaching from an external coach can highlight blind spots that are less obvious when things are going well. It is very easy for executives to become almost strictly inward-looking, especially when they have been very successful. But these blind spots can become devastating when performance moves in the other direction. A good, neutral third-party assessment is a clear reality check for executives. Coaches create a safe place to think through various topics against the framework of the CEO’s agenda and in their best interest. The coach is concerned with the CEO’s success as the leader of the company. As a CEO, it’s important to develop soft skills such as a coaching style of leadership and being able to develop successors. Coaching with CEOs often entails 360 interviews with key stakeholders such as the board, peers and direct reports. By holding up the mirror in this way the executive is able to come to specific actionable development themes, the benefits of which percolate down through the organisation. Various studies have shown that coaching has a significant positive effect on business goal setting and attainment, as well as self-efficacy. It also has a positive effect on individual and organisational performance, revenue and profitability. Research has found significant positive effects of coaching on leadership behaviour, leadership skills, the ability to give and receive feedback, communicate ideas persuasively and confidence in leadership ability. In the current disruptive world, coaching has a positive effect on a coachee’s well-being, including their work/life balance and stress levels. Resilience and adaptability also increase with coaching. What do you think are the main issues many leaders struggle with? • Recruiting the right people and getting them to performwell as a cohesive unit • Having trusted advisers who will give a straight answer • Making time for strategy and learning • Letting go of what they know deep down others should be doing • Making time for self care • Switching off and being ‘fully present’ when they are not at work What can you help them achieve? Executive coaches focus on the challenges leaders face, so they bring whatever is front of their mind or what their sponsor requests. Common coaching topics include: Being an authentic leader Building stronger relationships Conflict resolution Attainment of goals and KPIs Dealing with stress and burnout Business and development strategies Becoming a better listener/ mentor Communication skills Offloading and having a sounding board Increasing self awareness Creating strategy and strategic thinking Decision making skills Delegation Time Management Identifying and overcoming barriers to productivity
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