Leadership Development Through Executive Coaching

The development of effective leadership skills is a hot topic in the business world today. Many CEOs and company executives devote a large portion of their time and energy to the training and development of their capacities to lead their organisation and colleagues to success.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE METHODS USED?

Some of the most popular methods that CEOs and company executives use to foster the development and refinement of effective leadership skills include:

o Executive coaching

o CEO peer groups

o Learning from leadership experience

WHAT IS EXECUTIVE COACHING AND HOW CAN IT IMPROVE MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS?

Executive coaching consist of personal sessions between you and a coach. During these meetings the coach provides lessons, direction and advice on whatever topic you are concerned with. Your executive coach should be able to give constructive advice based on their own personal experience, on how to improve and develop your leadership skills. You should also be able to develop your leadership skills by watching the way that your coach utilizes their leadership skills.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT EXECUTIVE COACH?

Finding the right executive coach can be a tricky task. The expansion of the coaching industry means that there are a wide variety of coaches and coaching styles available. Before you choose your executive coach, consider the following:

* How do you want your sessions conducted?

* Apart from face-to-face sessions, many coaches offer their services over the phone or even via email. Choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and learning capabilities.

* How experienced and what experience does your coach need to have?

* With so many executive coaches now on the market, it is important to check their experience and credentials before you commit.

* What do you want to get out of your executive coaching sessions?

* Are you after general or specific advice? Your choice of an executive coach

should depend on your answer to this question. If you want specific advice, choose a coach that knows a lot about your field. If you want general advice, choose a coach who has extensive experience in many fields.

Although finding the right executive coach can be a painstaking experience, finding the right one could be one of the best decisions (both career and personal) that you ever make.