When is executive coaching the wrong choice?
Executive coaching is the wrong choice when a leader needs expert answers or finished work, or when the decision is not the leader's to make. A situation that calls for medical or mental health support needs a licensed professional first. Dave O'Connor says so on the first call when he sees it, which saves the leader time and money.
When is a consultant the better choice?
A coach asks questions and does not supply the content. If the decision depends on specialist knowledge the leader does not have, such as a legal question or a financial model, a consultant or a specialist adviser fits better.
When is coaching the wrong choice because the decision is not the leader's to make?
Coaching works when the leader has the authority to act. A leader who is waiting for someone else to approve, or whose decision will be overruled, has a different problem from a postponed decision. Dave's clients are leaders who can approve the spend and act on the outcome.
When does a leader need something other than coaching?
Coaching is not therapy and Dave does not offer it as a substitute. A person who is in crisis, or whose difficulty is clinical, needs a licensed professional first. Dave does not coach people in that position.
What about career or life coaching?
Dave's practice is executive coaching on leadership decisions. A person looking mainly for career change or life direction coaching is better served by a coach who works in that area.
What about a leader who does not want to reflect?
Coaching asks the leader to think out loud and consider questions. A leader who wants only direction, or who sees reflection as soft, will find the sessions frustrating. A sponsor who wants someone else coached, when that person has not agreed, is a similar case.
How can a leader find out?
A 30-minute intro call with Dave is a fit check. Dave will say plainly if coaching is not the right tool.
Does the cost of coaching make it the wrong choice?
Coaching is a real investment of time and money, and the wrong choice for a leader who cannot approve the spend and would be spending against their own judgment. Dave asks about this on the intro call so that no one commits to something that does not fit.
About Dave
Dave O'Connor is an executive coach based in Market Square, Lake Forest, Illinois, who works with senior leaders in person and virtually. He holds the ICF PCC credential and is a former president of a private equity-owned company. He coaches founders, CEOs and owners on personnel, product, partner and positioning decisions.
Dave O'Connor, Executive Coach · 253 Market Sq Ste C, Lake Forest, IL 60045 · 518-727-6531 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm