It’s that time of year. Everyone has a new year’s resolution and goals they’d like to achieve this year. What’s going to be different for you? What would you like to be better? How is this year going to be different from the last?
Have you ever considered getting a coach to help you? If you answered, ‘no,’ why not? Consider every single sports professional, arguably the greatest athletes on the planet, all have one? Why should you be any different? Aren’t you and your organization worth the investment? Hell yes you are!
I can only speak from my realm of expertise, executive and organizational, enterprise coaching. Here’s 10 key qualities you should look for in finding your ideal coach
- They walk the talk. You wouldn’t want an out of shape and overweight physical trainer to help you get skinny would you? Why would you want to work with an executive coach who hasn’t overcome the same obstacles you are trying to have them help you overcome? Make sure if they are helping you become influential for example, that they, themselves are influential.
- They come recommended by others. Just because ‘your’ executive coach has a certification to their name doesn’t mean they are fully qualified to coach you. Like anything, having a title or tool is fine. But what really matters is the person behind the title and the tool. There is no other greater qualifier in my opinion than the testimonials and recommendations provided by others.
- They have both IQ and EQ. Here’s the bottom line, run from an executive coach who tries to outsmart you. Observe how they carry themselves, how they communicate to you, and whether or not they are aware of themselves. Do they exude behavior and/or the attitude that you, yourself would like to possess? Are they arrogant? Or are they respectful? Do they exude confidence?
- They have a process and/or methodology, but customize based on your needs and not force their process on you. Effective coaches realize there are no perfect conditions and vacuum type scenarios where there is no environmental impact. Life happens. Work happens. There are scenarios where coaching processes and methodologies take a ‘back seat’ and simple ‘street smarts’ needs to take precedence.
- They readily admit where they are strong and where they are weak. I have the ability to assimilate and resolve problems, almost ‘in my sleep.’ It just comes very easy to me. That being said, I am fully dependent on the partnership I have with my clients. They are the experts in their respective fields, not me.
- They have business and strategic acumen. I am admittedly very biased here. Executive coaches without business and strategic acumen are more like life coaches in my opinion. This in itself is not a bad thing. However in order to help executives get to their ‘next level,’ executive coaches have to be able to relate and understand corporate performance, strategy, culture and its’ people. They have to be able to carry a sense of ‘having been there and done that’ around business strategies and company optimization.
- They work with you ‘wholistically,’ which means far beyond the one on one interactions and the initial behavior areas. I have literally worked with hundreds of clients, throughout multiple industries, and have many success stories associated with them. I’ve learned that sustainable, successful change comes from working on all variables that impact the change. In executive coaching, that includes the interactions with key stakeholders, team members, and personal and professional goals and motivations.
- They are likable but hold you accountable. You must have rapport with your executive coach. They could be extremely competent but trust is built on both competence and rapport. At the same time, your coach must hold you accountable and be able to push you beyond your limits, even at the expense of hurting your feelings.
- They know what matters most what you need to develop and work on. The right coach gets the 20/80 rule. This means they know the most important areas you need to improve upon that generates the largest ROI (Return On Investment) for you and the company.
- They are ‘culture fits’ to your company. The great executive coach fully understands the ‘ins and outs’ of your company culture and compliments well. All companies have a culture and effective coaches know how to both manage that culture and help you win in it, period.
Good luck on your search! Finding a great executive coach is worth its’ weight in gold for both you and your organization!
Rubi
ABOUT RUBI HO
THERUBIHOGROUP.COM
Rubi Ho is an expert in Strategic and Organizational Leadership. The SAOL™ Methodology that he personally created is about helping Organizations, Teams and Leaders drive results, unity and alignment, and overall performance throughout all levels of a company.
Are you looking to become an organizational, executive coach?
Consider Rubi Ho’s SAOL Coaching and Coaching Certification Program:
https://www.therubihogroup.com/saol-coaching-and-consulting-certification/
Contact Rubi Directly at: [email protected]
