If this is you, Coaching can help.
By Zoe McAlpine, Executive Coach
“I’ve been there.” Do you know how often I say this to people? A lot—because it’s true.
After 20+ years leading teams in large organisations and small businesses, and the best part of a decade as a CEO, I’ve found myself in many different situations.
Some wonderful times—when the organisation is going through a period of growth, success and/or harmony. And some challenging times—when KPIs haven’t been met, people were struggling to work well together, or unexpected setbacks have thrown a spanner in the works. (And managing a community health service through COVID … let’s not even go there!)
I have learnt so much from every single one of these situations. And that’s why I am passionate about using what I’ve learnt to support others in my role now, as a Coach for Executives, teams and business owners.
My Coaching approach is to help each individual realise their gifts, and align them with their roles and organisational goals.
But how do you know if you need a Coach?
If this is you, Coaching can help…
You seek direction
One of the first things I do with a new client is to help them reflect on this question: What does GREAT look like – for them, for their role, for the business? This is called Vision Clarification. When people have a clear vision, it makes it easier to “see through the fog” as one of my clients recently said.
“Even after just one hour, I came out of the session feeling less "foggy" and like a burden was lifted.” – Maddie, business owner
Once you know what your GREAT looks like, you can start taking tangible steps. That’s where Business Planning comes in. Here, I work with clients to plan out a roadmap towards business success.
You need help setting goals
Similar to Vision Clarification, one of the most important parts of Coaching is helping people set Strategic Goals. And no situation is the same for goal setting.
For my small business clients, they don’t have an Executive Team to workshop the big things with, so a Coach can be a great brainstorming partner. For others in large team environments, it’s helpful to work on goals and to progress their thinking away from the noise of their day-to-day, with someone outside their organisation.
You need help reaching goals
Okay, so you know your goals. But how will you reach them?
It’s helpful to have a Coach as a sounding board, to be your Accountability Partner, and to help overcome Challenges and Road Blocks. This is where the ‘great’ work happens, and over time the idea of what GREAT looks like becomes a reality.
You feel burnt out
It’s natural for great leaders to be switched on 24/7. But that kind of mental load and overdrive isn’t always helpful. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said or thought “it’ll settle down soon” … and yet it rarely does!
Leaders and Executives are often what I call ‘the last domino’. We are behind everyone else and supporting them, but we don’t always have that same support behind us.
When I meet with Executives and business owners, I listen to them. I’m listening out for the things that may be causing a drain on their personal resources:
Time
Energy
Money
Health
Skills
That’s where Solutions and Resource Planning comes in. When we are in the midst of burnout, we are not useful to anyone, and we can’t always see the resources and support available to us. It’s something I work through with my clients to make sure they’re using their resources for the maximum benefit (without feeling completely drained).
Another important area of Coaching is Team Leadership. When our team members are thriving in their roles, enjoying their achievements and truly engaged with their work, everyone wins (and it shows in the business results). Often my role as a Coach involves helping clients to map out the team resources and roles they have at hand, and plan how they can help their team be more efficient, more productive, more successful, and to enjoy their work. And ultimately, that drives business success.
You’re already doing great—but you could be doing more.
As one of my fabulous peers says: “Coaching is the ultimate bespoke Professional Development.”
It’s a misconception that people who need Coaches are not doing well in their career or business. Often, it’s quite the opposite. These are highly successful people who are already doing great—but they know they could be doing more, or they want to do something different.
That’s why Career Progression is a big part of my Coaching. As is Managing Stakeholders—especially when there are a lot of them! Understanding what makes individuals tick, and helping make the most of their strengths is my passion. When we play to our own and others’ strengths, that’s where truly great work and genuine engagement come to life.
So, if you’re reading any of the above and nodding your head thinking, yes that’s me, you might want to consider Coaching to take your leadership to the next level.
Whether you’re seeking 1:1 Executive Coaching, support from a mentor who’s “been there,” or a consultant to work with you on all things team, culture, leadership and development, I’d love to hear from you. See how I can help.