a set curriculum plan—it truly varies from situ- ation-to-situation and client-to-client. Coaches do not mentor clients—instead, they partner with clients to provoke thought and allow for creativity that inspires the client to maximize their potential. Coaching is a partnership of the equals.
Some of the senior executives in my company seem to lack communications skills. Can business coaching help them and result in tangible differences in terms of engagement and influence with clients and positive lead- ership of teams? Catharina Wolff, Amsterdam.
M M - Coaching can help with a variety of goal areas, including the development of communi- cation skills. In fact, the ICF Global Coaching Client Study revealed that 72 percent of those being coached noticed an improvement in com- munication skills. It has been documented that individuals who have engaged in a professional coaching partnership have walked away with fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision- making skills, enhanced interpersonal effective- ness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.
My partner and I manage a small printing company. Will business coaching enable us to identify and focus on our key business goals and developed effective management strate- gies to ensure we successfully meet each one? Nigel Adams, Leeds.
M M - Yes, coaching is the perfect tool to use for the identification, focus, and execution of key business goals. Within the coaching partnership,
the coach and client work together to identify key business goals and establish effective man- agement strategies to ensure each goal is met. In addition, the coach will help the client identify core strengths and how to best leverage those strengths. The ICF Global Coaching Client Study indicates that companies that use or have used professional coaching for business reasons have seen a median return on investment of seven times their initial investment. This study shows 86 percent of companies that use or have used coaching report at least a 100 percent re- turn on their initial investment, as well as a sig- nificant impact in other client goal areas.
I’m considering hiring a coach to help me meet my business goals. But what if I don’t get on with the coach? How do I decide who to work with? Marie Brousson, Lyon.
M M - As coaching is a collaborative partner- ship between coach and client, it is imperative to find a coach that you get along well with. There should be a connection between you and the coach that feels right to you. To have the best chance of finding a coach you feel a connection, interview a handful of coaches before selecting one. Some of the ICF’s best questions to ask your potential coach include:
1.Are you a member of the ICF? 2. Do you hold an ICF Credential? 3. What is your coaching experience (number of individuals coached, years of experience, types of coaching situations, etc.)?
4. What is your coach-specific training? (Enrolled in an ICF approved training program, other coach-specific training program)?
5. What types of businesses do you work with most often?
6. What levels have you coached? (Presidents, vice presidents, middle managers, etc.)
7. What is your philosophy about coaching? 8. What types of assessments are you certified to deliver?
9. What are some coaching success stories (examples of individuals who have succeeded as a result of coaching/how the coach added value)?
And before hiring a coach, discuss an agree- ment. You can always include an exit strategy should you find that you don’t work well to- gether after so many sessions.
How can I be sure that any business coach I hire will have knowledge of my organisation’s business and culture in order to really empathise with situations and their challenges?
Clive Stevens, Glasgow.
M M - The only true way to ensure the coach you hire will have a working knowledge of your organisation’s business and culture is to exten- sively interview multiple possible coaches be- fore hiring one. Many coaches come from other professional fields and will have the experience you may seek. Depending on your goals, a consultant could
also be an option for you. A consultant can tell you how business is done internationally and propose strategies for success. However, if you are seeking a guiding process in which you cre- ate your own solutions by weighing various in- ternational perspectives and customs, a coach could be a great fit for you.
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