EXECUTIVE COACHING
Have you ever noticed how team offsites, leadership courses, or books don’t quite have the desired impact? They impart knowledge and, when done well, trigger insight; however, they rarely change behavior, in ourselves or others.
In contrast, Executive Coaching focuses on fostering data-driven insights unique to the individual and testing hypotheses through ongoing behavioral “experiments,” monitoring impact and effectiveness along the way. A C-suite executive or an Asset Manager at the top of their game rarely needs “advice”— they need a system to take performance from good, or even very good, to great. Customized, Executive Coaching provides that.
Individualized
Each leader’s unique brain chemistry, cultural milieu, and set of experiences shape their coaching needs.
Data-Driven
Data from multiple sources and at various inflection points illuminate the path forward and continually refine the goals and methods.
Action-Oriented
Clients test hypotheses in real-world situations and bring data back to the coaching engagement to crystalize learning and provide accountability.
Informed By Science
An ever-growing library of brain- and behavioral science provides clients new tools to enhance performance and lead intentionally.
The Process
DATA GATHERING
Combines a biographical interview of key career milestones and scientifically validated online leadership assessments
INTERVIEW-BASED 360
Garners robust feedback from 5-8 internal stakeholders, including the hiring manager, direct reports, and peers
INDIVIDUAL COACHING SESSIONS
Vary in frequency in duration to best support client goals; conducted via phone or videoconference
COMMUNICATION
Between sessions reinforces key concepts and enhances accountability
ONGOING ENGAGEMENT
With key stakeholders to gather feedback and facilitate client goals
Real-Life Results
The Power of Evolution in Leadership
CHALLENGE
A $3.5B global business committed to a strong omnichannel strategy across four global markets hired a Country President to function as the local CEO. He brought ample industry experience and a reputation as a “turnaround whiz” amongst investors. Intelligent and candid with a high sense of urgency, he knew what levers to pull to revive a failing business. The mismatch? He was brought in to lead a thriving one. The company’s already strong team had steadily gained market share through targeted innovation, taking pride in their success. The new President, determined to make an impact, came in with a heavy hand. His hard-charging drive and his operational savvy were perceived as ego-driven and nit-picking. People left meetings deflated and the team began to resent his presence.
OUTCOME
Coaching broadened his toolkit, and this successful leader learned that “turnaround whiz” was not his only tool. In time, he won over the team and led in ways that better matched the needs of the business. He was recruited for a new position that embodied strategic innovation and a growth mindset, a role he would not have been considered for, much less succeeded in, if he had stuck only to what he had known. His leadership evolution paid dividends for years to come.
Coaching focused on:
- Continuing to value authenticity (e.g., “I must stay true to who I am.”) while also embracing change (“I can evolve and grow.”)
- Listening to understand rather than to solve a perceived problem
- Preparing differently for large group presentations— telling stories with data and utilizing social cues that motivate and inspire
What’s the Value of a Top-Performing Executive?
Effective coaching goes beyond boiler-plate advice and uninspired accountability; it provides the leader with the time, space, and tools to hone leadership skills. Concepts from neuroscience, behavioral economics, and psychology inform the coaching process, but without jargon or fluff.
Coaching hones in on “lead dominos” — one or two areas of growth that will have an outsized impact, rather than attempting to address a handful of disjointed goals or opportunities. Clients leave every session with concrete action steps tied to a lead domino.
“You ask beautiful questions. And give me space to think. And usually, I have the answers, if I just slow down and think.”
“Coaching changed the way I view leadership. I finally understand what my job is, and what it’s not.”
“The balance of empathy and candor is really valuable. No one talks to me like that [laughing]. And I need it, especially these days.”
“I don’t know what happened, but Daniel [direct report to the CEO] finally seems to understand the change he has to make. Finally. And he’s making it. How did you do that?”