Coaching question for you
I’ve been seeing a fair amount of material lately on executive and personal coaching. I have never used a coach, although like most of you I imagine, I’ve been one from time to time.
I’m curious as to whether this is a topic you are interested in. By leaving a comment, please tell me:
- Whether you currently, or have ever, used a personal or executive coach.
- Does the topic interest you enough for me to cover in more detail here on the blog.
- In general, what are your thoughts on the topic.
This might not be anything we cover in any detail for a while. I really want to get back into our discussion of entrepreneurial qualities. However, I’m curious as to your comments, and will continue to slip some coaching information into the Weekly Readers.
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THIS is why I love the Internet…
No one raised their hand to educate me on Marshall Goldsmith so I headed over to Google. Typing in “who is Marshall Goldsmith” gave me 356,000 little raised hands. The first few links looked like book links and a link to his blog (which doesn’t have an About page). But there around the 5th or 6th link was a Wikipedia article on Marshall. SCORE! For being a technology junkie I always forget about Wikipedia. One of the great by-products of the Internet revolution, if you don’t know about Wikipedia, you should take some time to acquaint yourself with it.
Turns out the short story on Marshall goes something like: undergrad, masters, MBA to professor of business. Meets a consultant and starts working with and coaching executives. Co-founds a a consulting firm and network of executive coaches.
Most notably (to me at least), Marshall is credited as being a pioneer in the use of customized 360 degree feedback as a leadership development tool.
Lots more credits and accolades that support Marshall’s credibility and thought leadership. Here’s a link to the Wikipedia article on Marshall Goldsmith in case you want to read the full overview.
What really caught my eye was a summary of consistent themes in Marshall’s writings. These all impress me as great insights into the science of leadership development. Stated as they are, they almost come off as “common sense”. Why is it that common sense seems to be one of those things that takes an expert to point out to us???
- The same beliefs that lead to our success - can make it very difficult for us to change behavior - and, as difficult as it is to change our own behavior, it is even more difficult to change others’ perception of our behavior.
- The behavior of leaders needs to be reflective of the stated values of the corporation - and key executives need to ‘go first’ in modeling positive behavioral change.
- Managers who receive feedback and engage in ongoing follow-up with co-workers will almost always achieve positive, change in behavior and be seen as more effective leaders by their key stakeholders (this was shown in a Strategy+Business article that involved over 86,000 respondents).
- The key to success in executive coaching is not the coach (who is a facilitator of change) - it is the people being coached and their key stakeholders.
- Leadership development should provide tools that can be used in a positive, simple, focused and fast manner. Complex theories of change, while interesting, will not work in the ‘real world’ with over-extended executives.
- Most executive education has historically been based upon an invalid assumption, “If they understand - they will do.” The basic challenge faced by managers is not understanding the practice of leadership - it is practicing their understanding of leadership.
On another note: this is the last official week of Summer and the forecast in Northeast Ohio at least, is for beautiful weather. I say what better reason to go for a hike, plan a cookout or picnic with family and friends, or head to your local park or beach. You’ve worked hard this summer - you know you deserve it. So get out there and have some fun!
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DCO Weekend Reader - 9/5/08
The web is a vast repository of opinions, commentary and occasionally, wisdom. Here’s a selection of the best articles I read over the past week.
If you would like to recommend an article, blog or book, please leave a comment with your suggestion. Weekend Reader is a regular feature here at DCO, and you can read past Weekend Readers here.
We’ve slipped into September and officially made the turn into Fall. There is a slight dusting of leaves on the trails that I see drifting down here and there during my walks. Whereas it seems like just last week I woke to sunshine, it is now only light gray when the alarm clock goes off.
I hope you had a nice relaxing holiday weekend. I was able to get a lot of hiking in, which is good - two very busy weeks coming up, both personally and professionally.
As always, here’s the best of what I read over the last week.
Personal Excellence & Leadership
- A suggestion that there is at least one leadership quality we take.
- Warren Buffet’s best investment advice.
- As leaders, many times we function as coaches to our peers and subordinates. As individuals committed to personal excellence, we are often called to fill that role for our friends and family. Here’s a quick self-assessment of coaching ability to take your pulse on this important activity.
- 5 Leadership Lessons.
- The Gallup Management Journal tries to answer the question of what separates great leaders from all the rest with The Seven Demands of Leadership.
- The dance of shared leadership.
Thought-Provokers
- Is Google making us stupid?
- Want to double, triple your financial position (or go even higher)? For an potential solution many of you might find somewhat esoteric, read this article on how to raise your financial vibration (lengthy post).
For Fun
- Work/life balance through the eyes of work.
- Need advice on how to stay swamped at work? This handy guide should help. (Yes, sarcasm is involved).
Books
- I didn’t find any book reviews or references that wowed me this week. If anyone has any they like, be sure to comment or E-Mail me.
Tips & Tricks
- Advice on re-entering the executive job market after a long employement. No real zingers here but a good re-examinations of what should be the basics if you think you need it.
- Good perspective on why “soft skills” aren’t soft at all, and some suggestions on how to measure them.
