What is executive leadership coaching?

So, just what is this leadership coaching thing all about?

Would you be surprised if I told you that according to Forbes, 50 percent of today’s Fortune 500 companies subscribe to executive leadership coaching? And might you be intrigued to learn that coaching results in increased productivity, improved self-confidence and relationships, as well as better work-life balance?

The world of executive leadership coaching is expanding and growing, and so is Tantalus’ practice. We coach executives in Japan, Singapore, London, Zurich, New York and Vancouver. These people are the titans of industry, CEOs, directors and CCOs of some of the world’s most reputable companies.

So, why work with a coach?

A fresh perspective on leadership coaching

The benefits are numerous. The International Coach Federation (ICF), the global body that oversees the coaching profession, points out that professional coaching brings many wonderful outcomes, including a fresh perspective on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence. Productivity, satisfaction with life and work, and the attainment of relevant goals also benefit.

So, how does it work?

At Tantalus, we like to describe our role as a thinking partner. We work with you to help build your future.

A creative coaching process

ICF defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment.” They add, “Coaches honour the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole.

In management consulting we are expected to provide answers. In leadership coaching, we are expected to ask questions. It is a private dialogue that motivates and ideally inspires action. It is not mentoring or therapy or consulting. And it is an entirely private and confidential process.

We think coaching is best experienced firsthand. While every coaching relationship is unique, a typical arrangement consists of five one-hour sessions over a period of three months. Interestingly, most coaching takes place over the phone, though we do advocate meeting in person if possible, especially at the start of a relationship.

How to get started with leadership coaching

Ideally the coach and client will meet every two to three weeks, depending on particular needs and circumstances. At the conclusion of the five sessions, we mutually determine if there is a need for more coaching. For some this is just the start of an enduring coaching relationship. For others, they have become ‘unstuck’ and are ready to take on the world.

For more information, or to book a coaching session, please email wylie@thetantalusgroup or charlotte@thetantalusgroup.com.