Executive Coaching by Andrew Harley
Executive Coaching by Andrew Harley
There was a time, a long time ago, when sport was the sole preserve of the enthusiast and the amateur. But times change. There is still the amateur game and this is clear to see on the golf course and in track and field sports such as running. To compete for prizes, however, the talent of the enthusiast needs to be honed and focused. Weekend golfers with an eye on the professional game seek out the support of coaches, to leverage their talent to maximum effect.
There are clear parallels with the world of business and commerce. There was a time when somebody could start their career in an organisation and develop gradually, often under the patronage of a more senior, wiser master. Enthusiasm and talent, combined with an element of application, would be progressively rewarded until the individual reached the pinnacle of their career. These were times of constancy and certainty, times when change was the exception. But times change. The one certain feature of current business life is constant change. In this climate, the ability to deal effectively and productively with uncertainty is one of the key differentiating characteristics of the successful business leader.
So, what does this mean for today’s executives? Well, it presents a challenge. Part of this challenge comes from the experience and the shock of realising that what worked yesterday might not work as well today and certainly will not work tomorrow. It means quite often that there is no clear guiding light within the organisation to illuminate the path to future success and prosperity.
At Davitt Corporate Partners our experience of working with a broad range of business leaders across many different sectors of business and commercial life has recognised the enormous potential of talent and capability to make a difference. In the same way that a coach will work with an athlete to help them improve their performance, we work with senior executives to support them in improving their performance and that of their organisations. The parallel has one critical key element. The coach cannot run a race for the athlete. They do, however, help the athlete by supporting the belief that they can realise their potential and run that race faster. In the same way, we act not as surrogate but help leaders to become more effective in what they do. We recognise that in today’s uncertain times, a leader’s position can become increasingly isolated and the need for support is more important than ever.
So what is involved?
Initially we audit the individual’s capability, behaviour and current performance. The audit comprises a series of measures embracing personality, ability and characteristic behaviour. Effective leadership pivots on the ease and facility with which goals are achieved by getting others to turn plans into action. Effective executive coaching is about encouraging and supporting the development of this facility. Some leaders come to coaching from a recognition that they can perform better, some from the distress of feeling that their work/life equilibrium is out of balance. By objective assessment, encouragement, challenging and commitment we help individuals achieve clarity about what they need to do and how to do it.
To learn more about our Executive Coaching services or any of our other services, please contact the office: +353-1-6688891 or info@davittcorporatepartners.com
Discover how DavittCorporatePartners can help you to:
Develop Leadership in Your Organisation
Align Corporate Values with Behaviour
Andrew Harley is a Senior Consultant at DavittCorporatePartners – Corporate Psychologists
