The Gift of Coaching

 

I had a conversation with a potential client last week. It was about their CMO — he isn’t working out.

The CMO was hired out of a sizable company in which he had been running a therapeutic area. He had all the requisite skills and done extremely well there. He arrived at the new organization with great fanfare; everyone was excited to have him on board.

But a year later, things have not gone well. One key person has already resigned. Others who work for him are grumbling about his poor communication, inability to delegate, and rigidness of approach.

So I asked, “Have you considered coaching?”

They had. Several times. But the CMO has remained “extremely resistant” to the idea. That’s why they are now talking to me about his replacement.

Coaching is a Gift

I am still surprised when I hear of leaders who turn down coaching. Many years ago, it could have felt punitive. But those days are long gone.

Today, coaching isn’t a hammer… it’s an investment in an individual whose contribution is valued, and who is worth developing further to enable their full promise. That may mean support in recognizing blind spots or help taking better advantage of natural skills. Most often, it’s both.

It’s a great thing. After all, actors have directors, musicians have conductors, athletes, literally, have coaches. People at the top of these competitive fields understand there is always more to be learned. Guidance from a skilled teacher is invaluable, especially as they build their careers and move onto bigger stages. It’s no different for business leaders.

And yet, it’s often the case that smart, highly motivated people believe they can move up in responsibility, switch to a different environment, and be just as successful by figuring things out on their own.

But when the game fundamentally changes — stakeholder management is completely different; the scope of responsibility expands and increases in complexity; relationships with peers who have influence over your department become paramount; etc. — what worked before no longer is enough.

It’s dangerous to think that just because you’ve been successful in one context, you know how to maneuver in another.

Leadership is a Learned Skill

I don’t think there are very many “natural born leaders.” Each of us has to build and create whoever we become by further developing our strengths and whittling away at what gets in our way.

Few people will organically encounter the experiences needed and develop the skills required to become a great leader on their own. Most all of us bring baggage from our earliest experiences that is buried deep in our subconscious.

Having a trusted advisor at your side to function as a sounding board will help you navigate new and challenging situations, build your confidence, accelerate the learning curve, and aid in avoiding missteps.

On the flip side, failure to receive input and accept that you don’t have all the answers is the kiss of death. Whether out of paranoia, hubris, stupidity, or something else, if you refuse to change and grow, inevitably, the company will make a move.

Find Your Match

Engaging with a coach is not an admission of weakness. It’s exactly the opposite. Leadership requires vulnerability, an openness to learning, and acute self-awareness — all things a coach can help with.

And while some people will dismiss the opportunity by saying “I’ve tried it before,” remember there is a huge variation in coaches. Finding the “right” one is like finding the right therapist (or life partner). There is a tremendous range in skill set and a low barrier to entry into the coaching field. Ask for referrals. Look for chemistry and someone you can trust. What works for one person won’t work for another.

Many coaches are highly capable and have been in operating roles themselves. They can help you develop your strengths, improve your interpersonal skills, and navigate the landscape – all traits that are transferable to other environments and situations and that will benefit you for the rest of your career.

Finally, from my vantage point, there is always something new to learn, even when you’ve had plenty of coaching in the past. If you’re offered coaching, take it! (And if you’re not, ask for it.)

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