Executive Coaching Overview

Does the term “executive coaching” mean that you need to be a current executive in order to participate in a coaching program?
No, the term “executive coaching” reflects a focus on one’s professional role, aspirations and skill development. While a number of my clients are current executives, others are at a variety of organizational levels (front line supervisor, middle manager, senior leader, c-suite, team leader, small business owner, etc.). Some clients are not currently in a formal leadership role, often they can be described as an “emerging leader”. In addition to “executive coach”, another description of my services would be professional coach or leadership coach.

What is the difference between an executive coach and a life coach?

There are many types of coaches, executive coaches, life coaches, fitness coaches, financial coaches, etc. I work with people focused on their professional roles, skills and aspirations.

Can you provide 360’s or other assessments?

Yes, I have frequently utilized a variety of assessments. I am certified in the entire suite of DiSC instruments. An assessment may be recommended for a client as a component of the coaching engagement. It is always the client’s decision regarding the use of an assessment.

Are our meetings confidential?

Absolutely. The specifics/details of all coaching meetings/conversations are confidential. Some engagements that are initiated by an employer include status updates and a final out brief. These communications are at a high level and never include confidential details. Before coaching sessions begin, I discuss confidentiality with the client.

Are you engaged more often by companies or the individuals who work at a company?

Both. Each engagement is unique.

What will we work on?

Each coaching program is customized to meet specific objectives for that client. After discussing the client’s desired outcomes from the coaching engagement, I will propose our initial objectives. The client has the final approval. Once the coaching engagement begins, the objectives can be changed at the client’s request/approval.

Do your services include coaching clients who are looking for a career or job change?

Yes, I often work with professionals who are looking for a change of career or current role. I also have worked extensively with clients on interview preparation and practice.

Will I have homework between meetings?

Each coaching program is customized. Any suggested homework assignments would require client approval.

In your experience, what factors impact the success of a coaching engagement?

There are five essential ingredients for a successful (e.g., accomplishes the desired outcomes) executive coaching engagement: an engaged client, a qualified coach, clarity of the desired outcomes/goals, an appropriate amount of time to reach the desired outcomes, and a connection between the coach and the client.

What if I don’t agree with Chuck’s perspective on a particular situation?

That would be wonderful. Some of the most impactful learning for both the client and coach can come from diverse perspectives. I always remind clients that in our work together, I will make suggestions and they will make decisions.

I am already successful, why should I work with a coach?

The overwhelming majority of my clients are already successful. In fact, many would be described as high performers. I have observed that an attribute of many high performers is the hunger/drive to continue learning and developing. Effective coaching can accelerate performance/development, accentuate performance/development, provide “soft” accountability, and a trusted confidant/sounding board.

My professional situation is unique, am I a good candidate for coaching?

Every client and their situation are unique. I have provided executive coaching services for client’s in dozens of professional industries, companies of diverse structure and sizes, leaders at every organizational level, in over 5000 one-on-one executive coaching sessions.

What is your coaching style?

I utilize the style of coaching that will bring out the best in each unique client. Likely, there will be times that I will challenge, assert, guide and urge the client to consider a particular course of action. There will also be times that I will encourage, build confidence and support my client. I use techniques such as focused questions, open-ended questions, sharing leadership insights, and teaching leadership to foster the highest levels of performance, learning, development and change within the client. Coaching is not dictating a direction for the client but rather a collaborative pursuit by the coach and the client toward the objectives of the coaching engagement.

Investment

How much does coaching cost?

The investment is $300.00 per coaching session.

Do you think my company will pay for the coaching sessions?

Many companies recognize executive coaching as a valuable development opportunity for select members of their team. Approximately 80% of my clients have the coaching engagement paid for by their company and 20% of my clients pay for the coaching engagement themselves.

How does invoicing work?

Typically, companies/clients are invoiced monthly, quarterly or at the conclusion of the coaching program. We accept checks, direct deposit or credit card.

How do we get started?

Logistics

Click Here to schedule a 30-minute conversation with me to discuss possible coaching engagement objectives and answer any questions. You will be presented a proposed coaching program for your review. After any desired adjustments are made, the coaching program will begin.

What is a typical coaching meeting like?

There is fluctuation as each client and the areas of focus are unique. An example of the potential flow of a coaching meeting is greeting, client update, focus on client’s objectives, homework review (if applicable), plan for next meeting.

How many coaching sessions are included in a “typical” engagement?
There really isn’t a “typical” engagement. Each engagement is uniquely designed for the client. Several factors such as objectives of the coaching program, level of urgency, budget, etc. are involved in creating each engagement. Many programs have a pre-determined number of sessions. Some others are on-going. These typically involve senior leaders who value the trusted confidant/sounding board aspect of coaching.

How often will we meet?

The cadence of coaching meetings is customized for each client. Generally, coaching meetings are on either a weekly, bi-weekly, or on a monthly basis. Coaching meetings are typically scheduled on a reoccurring rhythm. Clients who have completed their coaching program frequently move into a quarterly check-in cadence.

Can we meet virtually?

Certainly. I often meet with clients virtually, typically using Zoom or Teams.

What if something comes up that I would like Chuck’s input between meetings?

Every client has access to me between scheduled coaching meetings. Typically, this is done through text, call, or email.

What if I need to reschedule a meeting?

Schedule conflicts arise. It is requested that both parties provide as much notice as possible. We work together to find a suitable day/time to reschedule the coaching meeting.