EXECUTIVE COACHING SERVICES

Executive coaching develops executives. The executive coach facilitates a collaborative development process focused on producing observable growth and change. This change is both attitudinal and behavioral. Management psychologists believe strongly that individuals continue to grow and develop in their abilities to manage and lead others. Through coaching, the individual reaches a much higher level of ability to manage and lead others and does so sooner than if they were to learn these skills and attitudes on their own.

As a management psychologist and consultant, James P. Atsaides, Ph.D. has been working with executives since 1979. In his years of experience, he has found that the key ingredient for executive development is self awareness. Executives need to know who they are, how they react to situations, how others see them, and what works and does not work with their leadership techniques. They need to keep growing and constantly enhance their repertoire of behaviors and competencies to demonstrate credibility and trustworthiness. They need to constantly stay on top of an ever changing world and maintain the confidence for their convictions. They need to learn the new behaviors and attitudes that exist in the executive realm that are different from those in middle management. This learning can only be done through a process of open and honest feedback and motivation to change.

Various management development processes help executives learn. These include attending seminars, reading, taking classes, etc. Of all of the senior management developmental processes, executive coaching has been found to be the best. Through a one-on-one process, the coach can help the individual executive leverage existing skills, develop new skills, identify areas of weakness, and even point out blind spots that the person may not realize he/she has. Much research has pointed out that coaching is money and time well spent for the growth of the executive.

Reasons for Coaching

Coaching is not just for those who need to get “fixed”. In fact, for those who are already effective leaders, coaching is a fine-tuning program that enhances the skills that can set them apart from others. Coaching is valuable for succession planning. Organizations request coaching services for their senior managers for a variety of reasons. In a recent study, the following were found to be the top reasons for offering coaching:

• Sharpen leadership skills of high potential individuals (86%)
• Correct management behavior problems, such as poor communication skills, and poor interpersonal relationships (72%)
• Ensure the success of newly promoted managers (64%)
• Provide the required leadership skills to technically oriented employees (58%)

Benefits to the Person

Executive coaching works and benefits the individual, the organization, and the people associated with the individual. It is important, however, that there is a good match between the person and the coach. Also, the organization and the person’s supervisor must be supportive of the process. Individuals who go through executive coaching programs state the following benefits from this experience:

• Enhanced leadership abilities and skill sets
• Increased self awareness and self confidence
• Cultivation of executive maturity and political savvy competencies
• Enhanced communication and influence skills
• Greater polish of their executive presence and image
• Improved relationships with direct reports, team members, peers and supervisor
• Improved job satisfaction

The Executive Coaching Process Overview

The executive coaching programs offered by Dr. Jim Atsaides are structured with well planned sets of activities for the purpose of helping the individual understand who they are, what they do well, how other people see them, and what they can do to improve as a leader. The focus is on business related issues and making effective attitude and behavior change to enhance ones capabilities. These programs have senior level evaluations, ongoing targeted feedback, and measurable criteria to be sure of the progress and change. Objective management work style assessments and multi-rater (360 Degree) feedback exercises are used. The instruments are nationally recognized and normed to the business community, usually with senior managers and professional.

At times, the executive coaching process includes the individual’s supervisor and other key stakeholders like the Human Resource professional. Dr. Atsaides meets with these individuals to understand the objective issues involved, provide them with general feedback on the assessment results, and discuss the developmental recommendations that are being made. Also, there is discussion as to how the person can be best managed for continued development. Although general business information is shared, there is a confidentiality agreement between Dr. Atsaides and the individual so that specific and personal matters are not shared with others.

The specific content of the coaching sessions are identified by the individual, the supervisor, the organization, from the results of the assessments, and from the recommendations of the coach. The following represent some content areas:

• Communication style, influencing skills
• Effective execution, delegation, decision making
• Creating an inclusive culture, understanding current and desired culture
• Changing behavior to be more approachable, cooperative
• Strategic thinking and planning, setting priorities
• Stress management
• One Minute Manager concepts, leadership competencies
• Learning the difference between middle management and executive management thinking
• Conflict resolution, strategies for handling conflict matters, being self disciplined
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Managing others with accountability
• Interpersonal skills, developing lasting relationships
• Relationships with supervisor and peers
• Team performance, evaluation of direct reports
• Differentiating family versus partner mentality
• Personal vocational direction, long term desires

Our Executive Coaching Methodology

Although each coaching program is unique, there are specific protocols and strategies that Dr. Atsaides has developed over the years that have proven to be effective in promoting behavioral and attitudinal change within senior managers. The following represents a four phase process in the executive coaching programs:

     Phase I - Understanding The Engagement & Initial Coaching

• Meeting with the supervisor and Human Resources professional to understand the company needs and the reasons that prompted the desire for coaching
• Introductory meeting with the person to be coached, assessment of compatibility
• Administration of various assessments and behavioral based interviews

     Phase II - Assessment, Feedback, and Targeted Coaching Goals

• Individual assessments for data gathering
• Multi-rater (360 Degree) feedback program
• Ongoing feedback on all assessments and their meaning
• Development of the targeted coaching goals
• Goal confirmation meeting with supervisor if desired

     Phase III - Targeted Coaching Sessions

• Targeted coaching sessions using various exercises and learning modalities
• Learning new behaviors and attitudes
• Developing new perspectives and reinforcement of new learning

     Phase IV - Assessment of Coaching Results, Review & Wrap Up

• Develop long term action plan for individual
• Review meetings and what was learned
• Follow up strategy to assure change and enhancement

Different Executive Coaching Services are Available

Coaching programs provided by Dr. Atsaides vary in length depending on the wishes of the organization and the needs of the person involved. The specific content of the program is customized to the individual’s needs. Coaching sessions vary between two to three hours each. Additional coaching sessions can be added to each of these coaching programs to extend the time involved with the individual. The Executive Coaching programs available include:

• Executive Coaching Premium Program - Designed for executives and senior managers who desire a coaching program that would range from six to nine months, and with 12 – 15 sessions.
• Executive Coaching Standard Program - For individuals who would like a coaching program to last three to six months, and with 8-10 sessions.
• Executive Coaching Impact Program - For individuals who would like the experience with a coach for two to three months, and with 5 targeted sessions.

Fees & Other Considerations for Executive Coaching

The fee for the executive coaching program is discussed with the organization and includes all of the coaching and feedback sessions, the assessments, and the exercise that are part of the program. It is preferred that coaching be done face-to-face, although some telephone sessions can take place. Expenses associated in conducting the coaching program, such as travel, are billed back to the organization at cost.

Our Capabilities

The fit and compatibility between coach and the individual executive is very important. There has to be trust and comfort in this relationship. Credentials and experience are also important. Organizations need to be careful in the credentials and experiences of the coaches that they select.

Dr. Jim Atsaides has been doing executive coaching since 1979. He is a member of the following professional organizations: American Psychological Association, Society of Industrial Organizational Psychologists, Division of Consulting Psychology, Florida Psychological Association, Maryland Psychological Association, and American Society of Association Executives. As a management psychologist, he is well trained in assessing individuals and providing practical and meaningful feedback that will make a difference to the person’s development and their leadership. His executive coaching clients include Fortune 500 companies, large regional firms, and small to medium sized organizations. His experience includes for-profit, non-profit, and family corporations.

Contact us for more information about our Executive Coaching Services.