Leadership Coaching New Directions Consulting began Coaching for Leaders six years ago, providing expert one-on-one guidance for selected leaders in the areas of: • Leadership Skills • Presentation Skills • Interpersonal Dynamics • Performance Management • Time Management and Planning • Team Coaching The best candidates for our one-on-one coaching approach are individuals who are highly-committed performers and who typically benefit from personal interactions that enhance their ability to focus their efforts for specific outcomes. In fact, a recent TheLadders.com survey of 1,366 executives found that leadership was rated the most important trait for CEOs to possess (by 53 respondents.) According to a recent survey of 510 training executives by Brandon Hall Research, an independent analyst firm based in Sunnyvale, California, a majority cited leadership development as their top priority right now. The Coaching for Leaders process begins with the design of a 360-degree feedback survey for the participant and significant others to complete on-line. Based on these results, the participant and the coach work together to create a Development Plan containing clearly defined goals and action plans. That plan is used to guide the coaching arrangement with the participant and his/her manager, as well as define the resources that will be used to improve results. The coaching typically occurs in person and by telephone contact several times a month over the course of a twelve-month program. New Directions has a comprehensive library of management materials, articles, books and tapes that are available to Coaching for Leaders’ participants. 360 Degree Feedback The Coaching process is launched by completing a 360-degree feedback tool, a compilation of feedback from numerous raters who provide a broad perspective for the client. The tool is completed on-line so the raters can be within or outside the organization. We encourage the client to “customize” the tool to his/her particular situation and focus. The 360-degree feedback provides detailed numerical data on every question asked, plus overview charts of strengths and areas needing improvement. Individuals are also encouraged to provide comments to support their scores; these comments are shared with the individual being rated. Development Plan Once the 360-degree feedback has been reviewed, the individual works to create a Development Plan. This plan begins with identifying strengths and how to capitalize on them, areas needing improvement including those that were unknown before, identification of resources and supports to assist with desired change, identification of clear SMART goals and a final meeting with the individual’s manager to gain buy-in and support. The written Development Plan functions as a reference document throughout the coaching process. Coaching Sessions The Development Plan forms the basis of the one-on-one coaching sessions, providing clarity about the goals and objectives to be achieved. The coaching sessions are held monthly (typically one conference call and one personal contact per month) with a certified New Directions coach. When describing our coaching sessions, a client remarked, “The focus is very practical – on the things I’m dealing with right now. In addition, I’m simultaneously trained on expert theory so it sticks with me much better. The time spent with my coach is always value-added.” New Directions’ philosophy of coaching is to blend a combination of self-directed exploration from the individual with some guided learning from the coach. Our coaches are not afraid to confront counter-productive behavior or to give strong feedback when needed. Conversely, if the individual is ready to do the hard work him/herself, we just provide the resources and encouragement to guide the process. For more information on any of these programs or products, Contact Us.