Once you master the psychology of executive coaching, even CEO’s will drop what they’re doing because it’s time for their coaching call. Without the right psychology, executive coaching can be hazardous to your health. There are a few key principles that will help you.
The 3 Keys To Survival In The Psychology of Executive Coaching
1. Understanding Behavioral Styles of Executives: The first key to the psychology of executive coaching is to know who you are playing with. Executives love to drive the bus, to command, to make things happen. They hate to be told ‘no’. If you go head to head with an executive, you will lose or they will quit so you don’t win. Don’t tell them what to do. Instead challenge them, appeal to their values, and ask them what needs to be done.
2. Don’t Get Pulled In: If you are trying to save someone from downing, you probably know that the worse strategy is to jump into the water where you risk getting pulled under. When you’re coaching, make sure you don’t get pulled into the emotionally muddy waters. If you allow yourself to get pissed off at your client or bad about yourself when they throw stones, you don’t have what it takes to coach executives. You have to be at the top of your game and master your own psychology before you can provide real value.
The Third And Most Important Key Of All
3. Be a Friend: They don’t say it’s lonely at the top for no reason. By the time a lot of executives make it to the top, they don’t have many people who are willing to be a true friend. To call them on their stuff, even at the risk of putting the relationship on the line is the highest level of friendship. In order to master the psychology of coaching, you have to be so committed to helping your clients get what they need that you would sacrifice your relationship with them.
Colette Seymann
JTS Advisors Designated Accountability Coach
Colette,
Enjoyed your article because it can be applied to any kind of coaching. I especially like the reference to executives not really having anyone to call them on their stuff. I can see how that might be hard for an A-plus personality. But, they put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us and need the pressure valve release that a coach can provide.
I’ll be watching for your next piece.
RICK
Hi Collette,
You description of executives is spot on. There is definitely a need for the “right touch” when dealing with executives.
Being seen as a friend also helps as well.
Collette, this is a wonderful post on a powerful subject of coaching. This is the blue print for all to follow when gathers the team to get things placed on the same page.
You must have a real relationship and understanding of all your team members. They should feel comfortable in knocking on your door when times are needed, for your input on procedures and getting to the desired uniformed, end results.
Thank you for sharing and supporting all our readers and I. This is really putting out content that can be utilized for all. Looking forward to the next find.