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…
Executive Summary: Sponsored coaching engagements offer long-term stability, higher rates, and the opportunity to create greater organizational impact. While many new coaches are eager to pursue sponsored clients, they often struggle with how to get started. This post outlines eight actionable strategies to help you secure those opportunities from networking with decision-makers and presenting at…
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 Summary: As executive coaching continues to evolve, successful coaches increasingly rely on proven models to guide their work and deliver results. In this article, we explore five widely used coaching models that offer structure, insight, and flexibility for a variety of leadership scenarios. These include STEPPA, OSKAR, CLEAR, ACL, and ACHIEVE, each offering a…
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…
Executive Summary: Many executive coaches avoid working with government organizations due to perceptions of bureaucracy, excessive paperwork, and delayed payments. However, personal experience shows that these assumptions often don’t hold up and the benefits of working with government clients can be significant. Once you are approved, you may gain access to long-term, stable work with…
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.…
In the world of professional and personal development there are many ways to support one’s growth. For a prospective client, it may not be so clear what the difference is between various development modalities. This post should help to make clear the distinction between each of the most used mediums. Coaching The coach’s primary attention…
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…
There is a bias called Illusion of Control. This bias is defined as the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events. I’ve used DiSC for many years and I’ve often said to people in debriefs that people who are the D and I types are more likely to feel like they can…