You have questions about leadership coaching. Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Who am I?

Hmm… good question.

The most consistent answer over the past few years can be found in the “About Martin” section.

A conversation would also give you a chance to get to know me a little better.

Officially, leadership coaching is a process where a coach (me) supports an individual, often called the “coachee” (you), to help them achieve their professional goals.

During the process, I will:

• Help you clarify your objectives;
• Demystify your conventional organization;
• Identify your strengths and unique abilities (your superpowers);
• Challenge you to approach situations differently;
• Provide the support you need to achieve your goals quickly;
• Share feedback based on my observations;
• Keep you moving forward.

My ultimate goal is to help you make the necessary changes to thrive in your conventional work environment.

Yes, I also offer team coaching and group coaching.

The format is inspired by individual coaching but tailored for groups of people working together on the same project.

I’ve provided team coaching in nearly all my organizational transformation engagements.

It’s an effective way to develop the skills of a group while building strong team synergy.

Yes, absolutely.

You can start the coaching process even if you’re not entirely sure what you need.

I’ll help you identify your goals first and then create a roadmap for your professional development.

Absolutely.

If you’re a leader, we can definitely work together—regardless of your title, the number of people reporting to you, or the brand of car you drive.

My coaching will help you thrive professionally.

The topics covered often revolve around beliefs and behaviors related to the human (relational) aspects of the leadership role, such as:

• Communication: Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including active listening and effective presentation skills.
• Managerial Courage: Developing your ability and confidence to have difficult conversations.
• Political Savvy: Building the capacity to influence people over whom you have no authority.
• Delegation: Improving your skills in delegating effectively and achieving results that meet your expectations.
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions while recognizing and managing others’ emotions.
• Change Management: Accelerating the adoption of changes within your organization.
• Problem-Solving: Developing the ability to identify and analyze problems and propose creative and effective solutions.
• Strategic Thinking: Building the ability to see the bigger picture, understand long-term implications, and make strategic decisions.
• Inspiring Others: Enhancing your ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve shared goals.

The benefits of leadership coaching include skill development, reducing fears related to your growth areas, acquiring new behaviors, and gaining greater self-awareness.

Leadership coaching typically involves a series of one-on-one sessions (in person or via videoconference) between the coach and the coachee.

During these sessions, I’ll help you set improvement goals, identify your strengths, and explore your beliefs and fears.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the relevance of coaching can vary from person to person.

Overall, leadership coaching is beneficial for anyone in a leadership position (managers, executives, entrepreneurs, etc.) and those aspiring to leadership roles.

The people who benefit the most from coaching are those who are motivated and willing to invest the energy needed for personal growth.

You’re a great candidate for coaching if you want to turn aspects of your personality into superpowers, are open to feedback from the coach, and are actively engaged in the process.

The support of your family, friends, and colleagues is valuable—but it’s also biased.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I turn to my circle for perspective, I often leave feeling disappointed.

Why?

Because they give me advice (that doesn’t apply to my situation).

Because they agree with me, only hearing my side of the story (and I know I’m not always right).

Because they share their own stories and fears (but my situation is different).

Coaching is different.

A leadership coach has professional expertise in the field

I bring over 15 years of experience (and more than 250 clients coached) to the table. In addition to my professional journey as an unconventional leader, I’ve been trained in coaching.

We won’t spend our conversations gossiping over the juiciest office drama (like you might over drinks with friends), but our coaching sessions will genuinely help you understand and overcome your challenges.

A leadership coach provides an objective and unbiased perspective

My role is to offer you an objective perspective so you can see your situation and challenges from a new angle.

I’ll also share practical, actionable solutions tailored directly to your organization.

A leadership coach tailors their approach to your reality

There’s no cookie-cutter template here.

The roadmap I create for you will be customized to your needs.

A leadership coach keeps you accountable for your progress

My role is to offer you a structured process to help you take responsibility for your actions.

During our sessions, I’ll ensure you stay on track as you move toward your goals.

Choosing the right leadership coach will have a significant impact on the success of your coaching experience.

Here are a few things to consider:

Experience and Qualifications

Choose a coach with expertise in the areas you want to improve.

Look into their professional background, training, and certifications.

Goals and Results

Have a conversation with the coach to ensure they clearly understand your goals and know how to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

Approach and Methodology

Evaluate the coach’s approach.
Determine if it aligns with what you’re looking for and suits your personal style.

Communication and Chemistry

The quality of the relationship you have with your coach is crucial to the success of the process.

If you don’t feel like the coach is the right fit for you, find someone else.

Make sure the coach makes you feel comfortable and that there’s a genuine connection. If the chemistry feels right, it will be easier to openly discuss topics that matter to you.

Recommendations

Check testimonials from past clients to get an idea of the coach’s strengths (and weaknesses).

Ask for recommendations from trusted colleagues or friends.

Availability

Ensure the coach is available and able to dedicate the necessary time to meet your coaching needs.

The duration of a leadership coaching program can vary depending on your goals, needs, and the type of program you choose.

Some programs may last 3 to 6 months, while others can extend over several years.

The specific duration of the program will be determined collaboratively between you and me.

Executive coaching and leadership coaching are both aimed at developing individuals in management or leadership roles.

While purists might argue there’s a slight difference, it’s not significant and won’t impact the coaching relationship we’ll build together.

Just for your information:

Leadership coaching focuses on developing your leadership skills and abilities.

Regardless of your current position or title, it emphasizes building your capacity to lead effectively, inspire, and influence others.

Executive coaching focuses on achieving specific goals.

It addresses the unique challenges you face and aims to help you improve your performance in your leadership role.

Although I prefer the term “leadership coaching,” I adapt my approach based on your needs.

The type of support offered by a coach differs from that provided by a psychologist.

A coach typically focuses on helping clients achieve specific professional goals and improve their performance.

A psychologist tends to address mental or emotional health issues and works on past traumas.

Coaching is often more solution-focused and future-oriented, while therapy may delve deeper into exploring the past.

Ultimately, the choice between a coach and a psychologist depends on your specific needs.

A coach provides an objective perspective, free from personal biases or opinions.

Conversations with a coach are confidential, which creates a safe space to discuss sensitive or personal topics without fear of judgment.

Mentors offer advice based on their own experiences and expertise, while a coach encourages you to reflect and find your own solutions tailored to your specific context.