Recently, I was talking with Jim, a former client who has retired from his role as CEO of a major nonprofit organization. As we talked about his desire to support other CEOs, the idea of “leader as coach” came up, and with it, the notion that we can develop others more effectively with questions than advice. “I didn’t spend a lot of time asking questions as CEO,” Jim confessed. “It’s just inefficient.”
You know that feeling when you walk in the room and it’s full of sadness or anger or joy? Our moods are significantly affected by the dominant mood in the room. Given that, it might be smart to choose what you spread to others.
Getting an awesome coach is a good starting point. Beyond that, there is a lot the client can to do to ensure great results. Here are 4 things to help you maximize your ROI from the coaching investment.
Getting an awesome coach is a good starting point. Beyond that, there is a lot the client can to do to ensure great results. Here are 4 things to help you maximize your ROIfrom the coaching investment.
You know the Peter Principle – that everyone gets promoted to their level of incompetence. In organizations, we often act like the Peter Principle is a terminal disease. The only solutions are to demote this person or fire him. He has risen beyond his capabilities.
Let’s say I feel it’s important to my leadership that I listen more fully to my team members, giving them my full attention. OK, that’s reasonable. But am I the self that can deliver on that commitment? If I were, I probably would have done it already. Habits like how we communicate are embedded in us at all levels – they live in our bodies, our hearts, our emotions and our thoughts.
I’ve always been a bit of a “personal growth junkie.” It’s what draws me to the work of coaching. And of course, I have a coach. He constantly invites me into a larger, more powerful version of myself. He challenges the ways I limit myself. Coaching helps me live more fully into my potential. All great, right?
That’s the light side of personal growth, the pretty part of the journey. It’s what makes coaching or workshops worth the investment of our time and money.
I’m delighted to announce that Mark Arnoldy of Possible and Hui Ho’olana are the recipients of this year’s coaching scholarship.
