A breakdown on finding effective professional coaches for executives and corporate-business teams seeking to improve success rates
The concepts of executive and/or corporate-level coaching services are often misconstrued or drawn into a type of all-encompassing grey area. One of the most common questions I am faced with is, do these types of services only apply to people already in high-level executive positions such as, CEO, CFO’s, COO’s, board members, etc. The short answer is “absolutely not!”
First and foremost, it’s important to realize that virtually anyone can build a website and slap on a few testimonials and call themselves an executive life coach. Other than expertise and reputation, there really isn’t any broadly known certifying or oversight body that effectively affirms the quality of such unique services providers. Someone who markets themselves as a corporate success coach, for instance, isn’t bound to any nationally recognized body or organization. At the same rate however, any worthy executive-level coaching provider will understand full-well the importance of professional and organizational affiliation.
While the term “corporate coaching” tends to apply more toward professional groups, teams or staff in general, there remains a definite overlap as it applies to what I call “individual excellence coaching.” After all, a sales team for instance, can only improve on a collective level if the individual members bring refined qualities to the table. A key element to consider however, is the fact that understanding the nature of group success and surpassing set benchmarks, must take into account the coach’s basis for understanding the individual contributors and how they impact the element of change as it pertains to the group as a whole.
So how is this type of refined professional different that an ordinary life or success coach? What sets them apart as being worthy of consultant status with a Fortune 500 company for instance? While most folks would be inclined to hedge their bets on the individual’s track record and/or professional bio, which remains critically important by all means, an even more important quality would be fluidity. How in tune are they with picking up on a client’s or a team’s strengths, weaknesses, nuances, etc? More importantly, how effective are they in matching an efficient system of change that takes into account all the personal and external variables? Most importantly though, what methods do they employ as a means for multi-tiered success that remains (and even grows) long after they’re gone?
Grey Matters International represents the “sweet spot” between the over-degree’d MBAs and PhDs that walk the corporate hallways with too many “rational strategies” that don’t work, and the “feel good” coaches who inspire too many half-truths to actually succeed. As a neuroscience-based firm, our thinking is grounded not just in our degrees, but in decision making insights that work, that connect to the ambivalences of change that we all have but dont admit. And with a personal style of a down to earth coach, Dr. Fleming blends masterfully best practice neuroscience thinking into actionable plans that engage folks —-including the truth of the bubbles above of the head we don’t say but quietly believe.
Executive and corporate level success coaching is an art that entails a world of variables. It requires a unique ability to persevere in ever-expanding environments. Successful coaches of this type will have succeeded on numerous levels and will have substantial expertise on both, personal as well as group levels. To find out more about Dr. Kevin Fleming and Grey Matters International please contact our office 7 days a week at (877) 606-6161 or email Dr. Fleming directly at [email protected]
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