Executive Coaching FAQ
Why do I need to use an executive coach if I’m employed?
A: Are you going to stay there forever? Do you want to be the best executive you can be to move up either in your current company or make a strategic move? Do you want an independent third party business expert to bounce your decisions off of? Do you want us to save you and your company money over the years? Then speak with us about becoming a strategic client. We can dramatically assist you in reaching your goals.
What can I expect from Executive Coaching?
A: Do not expect to be “nurtured.” Think of this a little bit like boot camp for executives and us as the drill instructors. Our job is to rapidly and effectively break old, career limiting habits and help develop you into a top executive. We work with you on skills, demeanor, speech, presentation, walking, talking and eating.
Aren’t people going to think poorly of me when they find out that I’m using a coach?
A: To the contrary! Virtually every CEO of major companies now has a coach. It is a good bet that many of the people in your organization are using a coach. In fact, your seeking a coach shows that you care about your career intensely – so much, in fact, that you are willing to spend your own time on learning to be the best! This can really help at promotion time.
Who pays for this?
A: We have had great success at getting your current company to pay for coaching, although you remain ultimately responsible for our fee. We have a letter that, at your request, we will send to you, your superiors, or the HR Department at your company, describing our credentials and what to expect out of coaching. About 90% of the time your company will pay for some or all of our fee. In fact, you may find that you have a personal “training budget” as one of your “perks,” and that the training budget will pay our fee. Sweet, huh?
I’ve been around the block a few times. Why do I need you?
A: There is an old Robert Burns poem that speaks about how wonderful a gift it is to be able to see ourselves through the eyes of another – and how much of our foolish vanity and career-limiting behaviors that will clear up. Even John and Nicole have coaches. The fact is, seeing ourselves is almost impossible.
We also help take you to the “next level” of executive demeanor and behavior. Additionally, it really helps to have an uninvolved third party who is on your side and your side alone, but will be honest with you, to bounce decisions off of. Doing so has kept many a client from making costly mistakes.
I’m a CEO, so I’m pretty successful. What will you do for me?
A: Think of the Godfather. He was pretty successful in his field of influence, too. But even Don Corleone had a Consigliere – a trusted advisor who looked out after him and could always be counted on to tell the truth, not what the Godfather wanted to hear. Every executive is surrounded by “yes people.” They tell the executive what he or she wants to hear. We will tell you what you need to know. This might keep you from winding up “sleeping with the fishes,” figuratively, of course. If you want to know what a top CEO (Google’s CEO) thinks of coaching, click here.
Do you give legal or financial advice?
A: No. We’re not lawyers or accountants. We are business consultants, and our areas of specialization are in strategy, corporate politics, human resources, communications, and human interaction. We’ll make you a much more effective executive.
At what level should I hire (or have my company hire) coaches like you?
A: I’d like to say as a freshman in business-school. But, realistically, it helps to have a coach beginning about a year prior to your first anticipated promotion to a management or executive level. You may have to pay for that first coach from your pocket, but you’ll find it very worthwhile. From then on, it is likely your company will pay all or some of your annual coaching retainer.
How many hours of your time do I get?
A: We charge a flat fee retainer in most cases, although we can also charge a retainer against hourly charges. The flat-fee retainer allows you to call as needed. Generally speaking, we spend between 30 and 100 hours a year on each client, depending on their needs, travel schedule, etc. We will meet face-to-face as often as every other week, and often will have a phone coaching session or two between our face-to-face meetings.
How often do we have to meet?
A: Most or all of our coaching can be done on the phone or over Skype phone, especially if you’re not in the Denver Metro area. Most of my clients see me face-to-face a minimum of once or twice a year as they’re traveling or we are. Some of our clients fly us to their site occasionally to meet with them. But, in the end, it is up to you. We can do all of our coaching by phone/Skype phone, or all of it face-to-face. If you are not in the Colorado Front Range, and wish to see us face-to-face, you or your company would, of course, be responsible for reasonable expenses for our travel to meet with you personally.
Our Front Range Colorado clients normally see me face-to-face at least once a month, and many see me even weekly. Again, it is up to you.
You keep referring to “we.” Who is “we?”
A: Nicole Heckers, MA, BCPC, participates in almost all coaching sessions with John. She also will perform most of the coaching for those who have not yet reached the Director, VP or “C” Levels of executive achievement. Nicole and John always travel together to visit out-of-town clients and corporations.
I need this to be entirely confidential. How are you at that?
A: We are very good at keeping our relationship with high-profile clients very confidential. No client has EVER been compromised by us in any way at any time. However, please understand that we do not have “privileged communication” like a doctor, lawyer or priest. If we are subpoenaed to give what information we know about you, we must tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Barring a court order, however, what you tell us stays with us, unless you want us to tell someone else. Again, you are in the driver’s seat.
Can my spouse sit in on sessions?
A: We encourage this from time-to-time. There are some times, however, where it should be just “one-on-one.” But, generally speaking, we are always very happy to see your life partner with you in your sessions.
Can my parents sit in on my session?
A: Ummmm….yes….once or twice. We strongly discourage “helicopter parents” from attending sessions, however, as it is not healthy for your career. We will not, however, discuss your case with any relatives unless you specifically direct us to.
How long do people work with you?
A: Some of our clients have utilized our advice for many years.
What can I expect as a “payoff?”
A: Although “results vary,” most of our clients find that they make more money and move up more rapidly in their careers. They also tend to have smoother employee and employer relationships. And we have saved many clients a great deal of money though assisting them with their decisions.