This is Part 3 of thirty questions that leadership coaches should be prepared to discuss with their clients. The first ten can be found here https://theleaderandthecoach.com/home-%26-blog/f/leadership-coaches-should-prepare-for-these-10-questions
The second ten are here
https://theleaderandthecoach.com/home-%26-blog/f/ten-more-questions-leadership-coaches-should-prepare-for
Whether raised by the executive coach or by the leader, here are some questions that may arise. These are phrased as questions by the leader, but can be “turned around” by prefacing each with, “Do you ever have a concern about…?” or “Would it be helpful to discuss this as a challenge for you in your leadership?” If you are an executive coach, what process and sequence would you use to explore these issues with your client?
1. I’ve never reached out to a coach to help me work through some of my business issues, because I don’t think they could really understand how unique my challenges are compared to others.
2. Meetings have taken over our time as an organization. They are out of control. But how else are people going to communicate?
3. I read about what big companies are doing to improve their employee relations, but it seems quite complex and seems to require an army. But my people have started using terms like work-life balance, work-from-home, flexible hours, and things like that. I’m stumped, and afraid of these changes.
4. I have heard some of my friends talking about using a business coach or advisor, but if my employees found out, they would think I am weak or don’t have confidence in my decisions.
5. A number of the people in my organization seem to be worn out and are not taking care of themselves physically. Come to think of it, so am I. I’m not sure how to do something about this for myself, let alone communicate my concerns to the people I work with without having to make a commitment I’m not ready for.
6. I don’t see how I can get to know people through video connections rather than in person. I don’t see how you can be a “team” if you don’t connect in person.
7. I realize I need to get some people in the organization that know more about (fill in the blank) than I do, but I’m afraid that would expose me as weak.
8. There is a poor performer who really isn’t a fit and is bringing other people down. The others think I’m looking past his deficiencies because they are picking up the slack. But I know he has a new baby that is sick and his wife can’t work. I don’t really have a choice but to keep him until things are better at home.
9, I know that some people in my organization have coaches and I’m worried about them talking about confidential matters, or even about me. What should I do?
10. My new boss is 20 years younger than I am and I know a lot more than she does. I still have my own team but am not sure how to interact with her given these differences.
An elite executive coach must necessarily support their leader in business and organizational challenges and related communication. Why not be prepared?
~William Keiper, co-author with Steve Chandler of The Leader and The Coach: The Art of Humanity in Leadership https://tinyurl.com/bdfzffmr
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