Managers are seen as role models and send out signals with their behavior. In previous blog posts, we have talked about the role of leadership when it comes to establishing psychological safety in the team. In "safe" organizations, managers are characterized by taking a step back, admitting their own mistakes and ignorance and addressing problems openly. This encourages employees to do the same. Read more on this topic in our blog posts "The anxiety-free organization" and " Establishing psychological safety in the team". If necessary, companies can support management with executive coaching.
Executive coaching as a special case of business coaching
Younger managers in particular - but not only - are often unaware of the importance of their behavior. An employee survey can already reveal "weak points" in leadership. However, 360-degree leadership feedback is the tool of choice if an organization wants to specifically support its managers in developing their skills. ValueQuest provides feedback recipients with a very effective tool in the form of the results report, which is designed as a workbook. In some cases, subsequent management coaching can also make sense.
Executive coaching is aimed specifically at the management level of a company and is a special case of business coaching, which can generally be used at all hierarchical levels. The focus of executive coaching is on individual support and the further development of leadership skills.
Possible topics
Good and goal-oriented communication or conflict management are often the subject of coaching. However, managers are often also concerned with developing a suitable management style and reflecting on their own behavior. Not every manager has the ability to properly challenge and encourage employees. And it is also not easy to be open to constructive criticism yourself.
The coach can also be a sparring partner when it comes to developing new visions and strategies for the company.
How does executive coaching work?
Coaching usually takes place as a one-to-one dialog. The coach meets with the manager (or "coachee") at regular intervals and reflects on leadership-related topics. Another key feature of executive coaching is that it is time-limited and works towards clearly defined goals. However, several sessions over a certain period of time are usually necessary so that the manager can actively change structures and their own patterns. The dialog with the coach helps managers to experience themselves more consciously and thus facilitate change in themselves and the team.
Working with a coach can be a great opportunity for managers, employees and the entire organization. With Andrea Schön, Barbara Haimoff and Francine Kräuchi, ValueQuest has competent coaches for your further development and leadership development.
Article published on May 13, 2022
About Heidi Blanken
Heidi Blanken is an expert and advisor at ValueQuest with a focus on evaluation and methodological consulting. She studied psychology with a focus on methodology as well as economics and labor law at the University of Zurich and graduated with a lic. phil. I degree.
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