Executive coaching is a valuable tool for professionals who want to enhance their sales and leadership skills and advance their careers. Coaching provides individuals with a safe and supportive environment in which to explore their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for success. By working with a skilled coach, executives can gain new insights, learn new techniques, and receive feedback on their performance. This process can help them become more self-aware, build stronger relationships with colleagues, and make better decisions. Ultimately, executive coaching can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals, both personally and professionally.
The statement “everyone needs a coach” is a mantra of mine, and my belief was further reinforced after reading “Executive Coaching: A Brief Guide” published by the BetterUp blog. Executive coaching is a form of professional development that helps leaders improve their leadership skills, manage stress, navigate career changes, and ultimately, reach their full potential. Reflecting on my own career, from my days as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch and UBS, to my leadership position at Morgan Stanley, and now as an executive coach, I realize that having a coach to guide me through the complexities of a developing career would have been invaluable.
Executive coaching, in this context, does not always refer to something technical, or the learning of a new skill or information. It is more introspective in nature, with an aim to increase self-awareness, improve communication skills, and enhance decision making.
As the article states, “Coaching is a practice tailored to an individual and their unique skillset and circumstances. The quality of the connection between a coach and client is vital. Coaches work with groups or individuals, offering a different perspective and serving as a sounding board and mirror for reflection.”
Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and trust in the coaching relationship, as well as the need for commitment and accountability on the part of the executive.
“Executive coaching is training designed to enhance the leadership skills and executive functioning of motivated, achievement-oriented professionals looking to excel in their current or potential job roles.”
Coaches help people see themselves with clarity and compassion, and identify their strength and weaknesses. Executives must use this mentorship and guidance, and try to integrate into their professional lives to the best of their abilities. Executives must be open and honest with their coach, stay focused on their goals, and be willing to take action and make changes based on feedback.
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More about Cynthia: Cynthia Laden Newman is a forward-thinking strategist and creator of sustainable growth. Formerly a managing director with global financial services leader Morgan Stanley, she currently serves as the chair of a nonprofit foundation, an executive coach to senior executives, and a mentor to rising executives. The overarching theme of her career has been her laser focus on leadership, human capital, governance, problem-solving, and value creation for stakeholders and shareholders.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
