Isn't it ironic when often times the people who need something most are the least likely to get it? Ironic yet true. For example, I can't tell you how often I've read a book and thought "so and so needs to read this". And then the followup thought is often, "there's no way they'll actually read the whole book though". So it is with business coaching services. I'm often asked if business coaching programs work or if they're worth the money and the answer is always a resounding "Yes...most of the time." And a recent study from the Harvard Business Review confirms that the people who get the most out of coaching are highly motivated to change.
So what can business coaching do for you? Check out some of the findings from the HBR study:
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Harvard Business Review on Executive Coaching originally published at http://hbr.org/2009/01/what-can-coaches-do-for-you/ar/1, 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing
From having been a business coach, I'll leave you with one thought about business coaching that seems to differ from what some leading experts feel about whether business coaching should be personal. I firmly believe, and have seen from coaching executives successfully, that one of the most beneficial things for an executive to learn is that their biggest "problem" with their team, department or company (whichever they have influence over) is them.
They struggle to realize that if they aren't able to attract and keep good employees the reason is them. If they can't motivate their staff, the reason is them. If the business/department isn't earning what it should, the reason is them. This is key for anyone to learn no matter the level of professional.
So to the question of whether business or executive coaching should be personal...to me the only way coaching is TRULY successful long term is if it's personal enough to make the executive see this light.
Download your copy of the 32 page business coaching report from Harvard Business Review's Diane Coutu and Carol Kauffman who surveyed 140 executive coaches. I'm sure both coaches and clients will find the information useful.
Had any experiences good or bad with business coaching? Share them here!Â