A633.8.3.RB - Shuck, Allison

How Do Coaches Help? 

To be an executive coach, it is necessary to know that clients are the first and best expert capable of solving their own problems and achieving their own ambitions, that is precisely the main reason why clients are motivated to call on a coach. When clients bring important issues to a coach, they already made a complete inventory of their personal or professional issues and of all possible options. Clients have already tried working out their issues alone, and have not succeeded. 
  

·         Given the statement above what is it that coaches do to provide value to clients?

Coaching is the learning relationship at the heart of change.

Coaching is not just about two people meeting and sharing ideas, it is more complex than that. Coaching involves building a relationship where both parties (the client and the coach) engage, connect and relate to one another. Coaching is necessary for determining a client’s present and future experiences, problems, opportunities and developments. The relationship between a client and a coach is seemingly important for developing new ideas. “The coach acts as a facilitator not an instructor. They support and challenge the client to learn and develop.” (Connor & Pokora, 2007, Pg.9).

·         Why is coaching a vital aspect of both leadership and strategy? 

Coaching is used by many organizations to promote a learning culture. In a learning culture, leaders are required to participate in the coaching process and promote coaching throughout the organization. For most organizations coaching is a tool used to maintain performance; its focus it on achieving specific, immediate goals and correcting development issues.

·         How can it make a difference in an organization?

Since coaching involves the evaluation of task performance, many leaders use coaching to promote and encourage team work within a new or existing group. Team coaching helps to align individual, team and business goals.” (Connor & Pokora, 2007, Pg.18).  

·         What does this mean to you and your organization?

Simply put, coaching can help Embry Riddle to promote/increase: organizational development, teamwork and learning relationships. 

Reference

Connor, M., & Pokora, J. (2007). Coaching and mentoring at work: Principles for effective practice. Maidenhead: Open University Press. Pg. 4-22. Retrived from
http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/openup/chapters/9780335221769.pdf