As a professional coach, it’s likely you will spend numerous hours each day on video. Indeed, I sometimes have as many as 6 hours of video meetings in a day. But do they need to be that way? I recently presented a 3-hour team development class using the Five Behaviors program material. Interestingly, this leadership…
You have likely already heard about the power of silence in a coaching session. These are extended periods of quiet where you and your client think deeply about what is important in that moment. You take your time to consider what to say next as a coach and the client takes time to explore themselves…
I’m a huge proponent of sponsored coaching. There are many reasons why I’d rather have sponsored coaching clients versus direct pay clients. Two of my favorite reasons are steady work and higher rates. New coaches often are fully bought into my rationale for focusing your energy on sponsored coaching but aren’t sure how to secure…
I recently had a coaching session where my coachee shared with me that they are starting to use techniques with their directs like reframing and open-ended questions. And better yet, they’re working. What music to my ears! They went on to say that they are seeing the value of acting as a coaching leader with…
A collection of my most popular videos I hope you’ll enjoy watching a few of them beginning with my interview with Jill Bornstein, which has been watched more than 1,400 times! 1. First Year As An Executive Coach – Interview with Jill Bornstein (1.4k views) 2. Assessments Ideal For Executive Coaching (1.4k views) 3. An…
One of the key reasons I entered the world of coaching was to be in a profession that would continually challenge me to be better. I don’t believe the phrase “rest on your laurels” exists in the coaching space for coaches and for sure not for clients. We are learning and growing beings. If that’s…
While I often espouse the merits of sponsored executive coaching, it’s dawned on me recently that it’s not all rosy. In fact, there are downsides, and one stands out as significant for newer coaches to be aware of as they launch their practices. It has to do with timelines. You see, one of the great…
Executive coaching has grown and evolved over several decades to incorporate a number of models and methodologies for coaching executives and leaders. Savvy executive coaches often employ a specific coaching model, or a blend of models, to shape their session work and to help their clients achieve desired short term and longer-range goals. While there…
I came across this study that pointed out that 46% of Americans didn’t read a book last year. They may have started one, but they didn’t finish it. Here’s the chart where you can see where you land and what percentage of Americans read fewer books than you. You may be wondering what this has…
Email. What does that word conjure up for you? For me, I often say it’s a blessing and a curse. When I started working, there was no email. We used the phone, faxes and pagers. It was somewhat of an idyllic existence now that I look back on it. I was generally able to focus…
Does this sound familiar? “I don’t work with government organizations.” I said that for years until a person I partner with brought me in to do some work with a government organization. I also received a lead, then a coaching engagement from a county government organization. That wasn’t the first time I’d been approached by…
New coaches will often proclaim they only want to coach people who are “coachable”. What does coachable mean exactly? Here are words I’ve heard used to describe coachability: Open-minded Reflective Growth-oriented Positive Open to feedback Focused Ready to change Vulnerable Trusting This sounds like a good list, right? What coach wouldn’t want to work with…
I am a Certified Mentor Coach, which means I frequently observe newer coaches working on their skills. I’ve noticed a trap that coaches regularly fall into and I’d like to help you avoid it. It’s the trap of seeking to add too much value. You see, when we coach we do so in the hopes…
One of the things I really like about the coaching business is that it doesn’t really take a break. Sure, there’s a slowdown during the holidays and some weeks off here and there during the summer, but there is no clear peak season and trough. Once you build up your practice, you can expect to…
If you are on your own, then you need to be able to market your services well. I have one process I like to follow that helps me position myself and services in a positive and productive way. It’s common for us to have websites that talk about our service offerings. All coaches have that.…
Want a brilliant framework to use within a coaching session? Use this three element dynamic shared with me by Andrew Neitlich, founder of the Center for Executive Coaching. When you’re working with a client who wants to be more effective, ask them how they are doing in balancing the three elements of Ego, Results, & Relationships.…
I have had a lot of discussion with coaches around the differences between these various modalities. Believe it or not, the USDA has a decent explanation of each one. I think you’ll find it helpful! This post was inspired by information from the USDA Office of Human Resources Management. Coaching The Coach’s primary attention is…
I’ve noticed an uptick in female membership at the Center for Executive Coaching. Just from my little corner of the coaching world, I’m seeing more women enter the profession of leadership coaching than men. I was asked by one of our veteran male coaches what I thought might be driving this trend. I’d love to…
Coaching Lessons From an MCC The SF chapter of the ICF hosted a special event with Lyssa deHart, an MCC based in Washington. I’ve only recently discovered what a wealth of coaching knowledge Lyssa is. As you may know, the ICF released a new exam for coaches who want to attain an ICF credential. That…
I recently received a question about how the rise of AI will affect coaching. I believe we should accept AI is going to make its way into nearly all types of work including coaching. I can imagine a future when a virtual AI coach asks new managers common questions such as: “Did you prioritize your…