The majority of the time is spent in one-on-one coaching sessions with clients. There are additional activities designed for the client outside of the sessions to maximize the individual's development. Depending on the nature of the request for developmental coaching services, additional time is spent meeting with management personnel from the client company in background meetings, debriefings and telephone conferences. The average model includes a weekly status meeting to maintain momentum in the process and concentrated focus on real life workplace situations that require immediate attention.
The program consists of:
Data Gathering Phase (2 hours):
Executive Coach and Manager or Individual Client spend time discussing the need for developmental work and reviewing background information about the client and his or her situation. Specific expectations are established, time frames are discussed and a schedule is put in place. Naturally, the reason for developmental coaching varies from situation to situation; however, the most common reasons include: "the fast track employee" who is being considered for promotional opportunities, the new manager, the valued employee who is having difficulty managing the change process or the individual who want to shorten the traditional cycle to promotion.
Initial Exploratory Meetings (4 hours):
Executive Coach and Client meet to discuss his/her view of those areas that need particular focus and emphasis, specific issues that exist in the workplace environment, potential inhibitors to success and prioritization of steps necessary to maximize performance. Some testing is done at this phase to familiarize client with key elements of his or her professional temperament and leadership style.
Define Objectives and Expectations (4 hours):
Executive Coach and Client gain consensus on those areas that have been identified as in need of development or vulnerabilities from a style aspect to establish plans moving forward. An overlay is developed with regard to the company/business unit's needs and a stragegy for meeting and matching those needs is developed.
Management Feedback Session (1 hour):
Executive Coach provides client's management team with an initial assessment
of the employee's desire to participate in the developmental process, a prediction
of likelihood of success and key objectives agreed upon.
Modeling (9 hours):
This phase is commonly referred to as a "lab" and comprises the major component of the developmental coaching process. The Client arrives at the
meeting with specific examples of issues that are proving to be challenging in
the workplace and developmental work is done to address each scenario. In
addition, Clients are involved in specific activities throughout the process to
reinforce new behaviors that they are demonstrating. Common topics include:
staff management, promotion of accomplishments, interfacing with the executive
team, effective delegation, etc.
Action Planning (2 hours):
Executive Coach and Client determine an on-going strategy for the Client to use which will demonstrate their improved individual management performance,
leadership effectiveness, understanding of organizational dynamics and focused commitment to continuous improvement in this position and others moving forward.
