It is the most common of questions asked of us at VIM Executive Coaching. It has been asked of us in-person, at our Denver office and most recently, on a coaching call with a new VIM Executive Coaching client in San Francisco.
“How do I know when it is time for executive leadership coaching?”
Quite Personal
In a sense, the question is one of the most personal of all questions because it also speaks to how many coaching clients think of themselves. While VIM Executive Coaching draws a sharp distinction between our services and psychotherapy, we do see some carryover from time to time. Nevertheless, the simple answer to the deceptively complex question is that, “We don’t know, but you will. It is a question you must answer for yourself.”
To that end, many so-called business coaching seminars fail because those courses take on a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Executives frequently get “invited” to those types of programs at the behest of superiors or HR or sometimes peer pressure. The motivation is not organic, but comes from outside. There may be a streak of resentment, disinterest, dissatisfaction or boredom (or all of them) before the coaching candidate scribbles down the first notes of the lecture.
VIM Executive Coaching is based on self-motivation and all that being aware and authentic conveys. There is no “pressure,” or official course credentials or diplomas. It is based on the belief that we – all of us – can be better and more effective executive leaders if we truly want to do so.
There are a few observations we have experienced over time that may prove useful to this conversation:
- The desire for coaching is universal. Generally, the desire for improvement and to be better executive leaders is always motivated from within. Whether the client is a 32-year-old in Silicon Valley, an entrepreneur in Stockholm or a 58-year-old in Manhattan, the fuel of desire is identical.
- No one feels like a failure. Most of our coaching clients are motivated to be better, more effective and to overcome weaknesses. They don’t feel like failures nor do we let them feel that way! Business coaching is a brave and authentic journey but it should never be based on deprecation. It is why we disapprove of so-called “Boot-Camps” that sees new clients as abject disappointments. That approach is counter-productive.
- The most successful outcomes are based on want. This is a variation of the above. “Want” or true motivation always lead to the best executive leadership coaching results. There is tremendous power in saying “I want to be a more effective and authentic leader,” “I want to be a more mindful leader.”
- The same factors leading to coaching are the same outcomes. “Admissions” of not being authentic or effective enough; mindful or aware enough, invariably lead to the client becoming more authentic, effective, mindful and aware. When we work with a client who is truly motivated, the results are astonishing.
- There are as many paths as leaders. Who makes the best executive leader? You do. There is no leader “type.” The path that you have taken, the person that you are, the qualifications that you possess are all good enough. It is “what” you build upon. Perfection is not what we expect at VIM Executive Coaching, authenticity is and because you may have disappointed or failed yourself in the past, is no indicator of how you will do in the future if you strive to be more mindful.
So, how do you know it is time to consider executive leadership coaching? We would submit that you know right this minute. It is something we understand from deep within and it is a gift to bring out the best that is within you.