What makes a good leader? That’s the million dollar question psychologist Daniel Goleman answered in his research article written for Harvard Business Review. “Emotional Intelligence” is the focal point of the article, shedding light on how all good leaders have one thing in common:
“The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: they all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence. It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant. They do matter, but…they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions…. Without (emotional intelligence), a person can have the best training in the world, an incisive, analytical mind, and an endless supply of smart ideas, but he still won’t make a great leader.”
Building a business is hard enough as it is, but a good leader needs to have the skills to create strong business relationships, and step into someone else’s shoes in order to view their work with a perspective that will keep it growing and evolving into the direction of success long-term.
What is an executive coach?
That’s where executive coaching comes in handy. There is no shame in being a business leader that’s looking to work with a professional to better their work.
Working with an executive coach makes all the difference in accelerating a leader’s strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Sometimes all we need is a fresh perspective to completely jumpstart the wheelhouse of success. Working with a professional helps you take a step back and trust that you have someone on your side to help you take a direct and insightful approach to help bring your leadership to the next level.
Knowing the difference between executive consulting and coaching:
There are some notable differences between coaching and consulting, with the biggest difference revolving around the focus of the work and the goals to be achieved for the business.
Executive coaching is primarily used by organizations that are looking to enhance the capabilities of their leaders. Engagements can be leveraged to onboard a new executive, accelerate an executive’s transition into a new role, or to develop an executive’s leadership skills so that they can excel in their current role and down the road take on more scale, scope and complexity.
Executive coaching can also be incorporated into leadership development programs where participants have the opportunity to partner on a one-to-one basis with an expert who will guide them through assessments and create a comprehensive development plan.
Executive consulting is oriented around developing strategic solutions that impact a larger part of the organization. It might encompass designing a new org structure, a workforce plan, change management process, a succession plan, etc. to enable a higher level of performance for the business.
Some consultants do both, like Executive Consulting and Coaching, ECC. Clients get to choose which capabilities best suit their needs, with different specialized services distinguished between the two categories. Working with a professional who offers both executive consulting and coaching will enable organizations to integrate and scale their business initiatives. The knowledge and experience of consulting across an organization will naturally enhance executive coaching and vice versa.
Why should you hire an executive coach?
1. Gain a fresh perspective on your business
Executive consultants all have the ability to better a business by offering a fresh perspective and approach. If business is struggling, or is not performing up to expectations, there needs to be an assessment of the issues and root causes – those that might be hidden beneath the surface
Working with a professional will quickly give you the insight you need to reevaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and how and where you can make improvements to reinvigorate the business.
2. Align performance management with business strategy
Executive consultants also can make a lasting difference in aligning your business and creating efficiencies and scalability. With expert skills in analysis and design, they can help ensure that your org structure, processes, rewards, and people practices are lined up with your company’s strategy and are maximizing your growth and profitability.
3. Create high performing teams
Executive consultants can partner with your leaders and help them create and sustain high performing teams. They can ensure that leaders are establishing clear purpose, goals, roles, and processes and are managing their teams with a strong focus on development, engagement, and performance.
4. Accelerate leadership capability
Executive coaches can help leaders in identifying opportunities to become more effective in their current roles. With the use assessments, development plans, and coaching sessions, they can create invaluable insights and strategies that enable professional growth – growth that has lasting impact for their performance, their careers, and the organization.
5. Change management coaching
Executive coaches and consultants can make all the difference in helping your organization manage transformations and transitions. You can work with your coach or consultant to establish effective change management teams and plans and create global org adoption of all your changes. With their expertise you will be able to build and sustain employee engagement and ensure the retention of key talent.
