Michelle Braden, CEO of MSBCoach
One of the most common calls my office receives is to work with someone who is facing challenges in leadership or is new to leadership. This would make sense as MSBCoach focuses on leadership development.
A common thread found in these phone conversations is, “the problem is someone else's fault”. Interestingly enough, the individual I am asked to give leadership coaching to, is not the only one who places blame. Often, the initial call goes something like this, “We have a leader who is struggling with…. They have strong qualities in… but they are causing a lot of frustration in…. we see potential in this person so we are calling you for help…”
Thus the process starts. There is nothing wrong with this beginning point – it is excellent; however, it is like counseling one person in a monogamous relationship: There are always two sides to the story.
When a senior leader contacts an executive coach to work with their leadership I encourage them to be a part of the process in the following ways:
- To attend some of the coaching sessions with the leader they are referring
- To consider executive coaching for themselves
- Understand coaches don't work with people to “fix” them
- Understand coaches work with people to help them discover and reach their fullest potential.
It only makes sense for all parties to be involved in the coaching process to some extent. Unfortunately, more often than not, when I invite the leader who contacted me to be a part of the process, the response is, ”no, we just want you to 'fix' the problem.”
The truth is, we cannot change anyone but ourselves; however, we can have influence on others. Change begins with each one of us individually. Hiring an executive coach is an excellent way to begin the process. As leaders, we also have to take a look at ourselves… become self-aware of challenges we have and our contribution to the process of growing and developing leaders. We earn the “right” to empower others.
I encourage you as a leader to hire coaches to work with you and your leadership. It makes a significant difference; however, I also encourage you to be engaged in the process and to hire a coach yourself – if possible, the same coach that is working with the entire team. This inspires growth for everyone.
Michelle Braden is the CEO of MSBCoach, an ICF certified business. Michelle is an ICF certified coach and received her Advanced Human Behavior Certification and Wellness Coaching certification from the Leadership Institute of America. She is an advanced certified associate of Emergenetics, Int. and advanced trainer for DiSC. She has written two leadership training manuals for The Church of God International and is a freelance writer for Thought Leaders Blog, Lead Change Blog, Leadership Courseware Blog, The Business Networker, and Forward/Adelante magazine. She also serves as adjunct faculty at PVCC.