Executive Coaching

Mike has seen dozens of definitions of coaching, but has not seen one he likes. He notes that a coach is neither a counselor nor a consultant and tells his clients that coaching is about three things:

1. Change: Coaching is a partnership designed to produce positive change in performance. Successful coaching can transform a person.
2. Discovery: It promotes learning through discovery. A coach's role is to tell the truth, to make things visible; it's about what Susan Scott calls "fierce conversations."
3. Accountability: The coach is there to motivate a person to take action and hold them accountable for their commitments.

An article in the Harvard Business Review noted that "The goal of coaching is the goal of good management: to make the most of an organization's valuable resources."  Consider hiring a coach if:

1. You're stuck, things aren't getting done or you need someone to hold you accountable.
2. Your performance is not what it should be.
3. You feel you're not getting the truth from your direct reports, your colleagues or those to whom you report.

Mike generally follows the model he uses in coaching members of his Vistage CEO group.

1. Meet once a month for two uninterrupted hours; everything said during the session is confidential. Mike's goal is to make these one to one coaching sessions the most important meeting you have every month.
2. The agenda is yours; Mike will start by asking, “What is the most important thing we should talk about today?” If the thought of discussing a particular issue makes you uncomfortable, that's a signal that you should put it on the table. Success is predicated on Mike's ability to engage you in conversation that invokes change. He'll push you to make decisions or to take action, and he'll hold you accountable for the commitments you make in the one to ones.

Mike’s clients can expect:

1. What Jesuits call Aptissimi, to become the best. Mike's role is to help you aim high and keep you focused on your goals.
2. Fierce conversations, a commitment on Mike's part to say what others leave unsaid, even when it's uncomfortable.
3. What presidential advisor, Clark Clifford called a “third opinion.” Mike brings no agenda to one to one coaching sessions other than to help you succeed.

Mike expects three things from his coaching clients:

1. Candor. A one to one coaching session is a place for openness and honesty. Coaching cannot be effective if you aren't willing discuss the real issues.
2. Commitment. Be committed to getting better; honor your promises.
3. Vulnerability. A one to one is a safe place, a place to take risks.

A coaching relationship is ongoing, and generally, the client decides when it ends. From time to time a coach will fire a client; Mike's done so just twice.