Executive Coaching and Mentoring

Coaching is a word which is used so frequently nowadays, and can often be confusingly used interchangeably to refer to a variety of different (but actually quite similar) practices. The coaching industry is extremely fast-growing, diverse and unregulated, so finding the right coach and measuring a coaches’ impact can be easier said than done!

With this in mind, I decided to qualify professionally as a coach by undertaking ILM Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. This is a globally recognised qualification and the highest recognised standard of executive coaching qualification available. The equivalent of a masters’ degree, the course takes around 2 years to complete, including 20 hours of supervised coaching practice. I officially qualified on 21st May 2020.

Recently, I’ve been working with a variety of global clients across different industries and continents, to allow them to find the tools to reach their short, medium and long-term goals. I’m available to coach clients online or face-to-face, so please contact me if you would like to discuss what this could look like for you.

I’m also passionate about setting clarity on what executive coaching is, where possible. I have many friends and colleagues who have been fortunate enough to have an executive coach, but they come to me with questions about what they should expect. With this in mind, here’s my coaching FAQ:

 

What is executive coaching?

An executive coach works with an individual in an organisation to increase their performance by unlocking their own ability to identify and meet their goals. The executive coach does this during a series of coaching sessions, which are effectively conversations between the coachee and the coach, where the coach listens, questions and offers constructive challenge and objective observation to the coachee. Coaching isn’t about knowledge sharing, instructing or advising, it is completely objective and works on the inherent belief that the coachee already holds the answers inside themselves.

How does it work?

The coach works with a sponsor in the organisation to identify the coaching schedule and contract. This outlines the number of sessions, broad goals and context and terms of engagement, including adherence to confidentiality. The coach then works with the coachee, usually on the basis of 3-6 sessions to set specific coaching goals and address them through the sessions. The coach works with the coachee in confidence (see my coaching contract), but connects back with the sponsor at key times to feedback updates on progress, key themes, results and impacts, without compromising coachee confidentiality.

What is your focus area and approach to coaching?

Although today I work with a broad range of clients, with a diversity in gender, age and role, my speciality as an executive coach is helping senior women who face a steep upwards trajectory in their careers. My personal experience motivates me to practice in this area, where from 2012–2015 I found myself in leadership positions for which I did not yet feel adequately ‘qualified’, with little support around me. I want to support other women who find themselves in this situation, to provide them with the tools that they need in order to confidently flourish and grow.

My approach to coaching is fundamentally about driving action through clarity, with accountability sitting with the coachee. If you are working with me in coaching, you can expect to be held accountable for driving change in your own actions, but you will feel my support every step of the way. It’s important to me to measure results, so we’ll be sure to agree on measurable KPIs at the start of the coaching engagement.

How many executive coaching sessions will I need?

Effective coaching contracts usually last between 3-6 sessions, but this can vary depending on individual goals and circumstances.

How much does executive coaching cost?

Coaching is an investment that an organisation makes in its people, and is usually not an investment made by an individual. Please contact me so that I can understand more about your requirements.

Is executive coaching confidential?

Executive coaching conversations are confidential by nature. However, there are certain circumstances when confidentiality needs to be broken, for example if there is harm to an individual or harm to an organisation (for example in the form of criminal activity) taking place. In this case I will always let a client know that I see an issue which would need to be escalated, and we will agree together how this is done.

Do you coach people from every industry?

Absolutely. A coach operates completely objectively, irrespective of their background or functional speciality. I have worked with men and women from public and private sector, across an array of senior roles.

Do I have to be ‘an executive’ to be coached by you?

Executive coaching implies a level of seniority. I choose to operate at an executive level, which means working with people who generally are in leadership positions. Clearly, the definition of a leadership position can vary depending on the industry and company, and every coachee is different, so don’t hesitate to contact me for a conversation about your needs.

I’m an individual who would like to benefit from coaching, what are the next steps?

You’ll need to identify whether your organisation already offers executive coaching; usually your line manager, HR or the people team are the best place to start. If they do, they can help you understand more about what is currently on offer. If they don’t, please feel free to connect them with me so that we can have a conversation on how I might be able to help.

I’m a sponsor who would like to introduce coaching into the organisation, what are the next steps?

Please contact me for a conversation.

Are you a qualified coach?

Yes. Coaching is unregulated and many established and successful coaches practice on the basis of experience rather than formal qualifications. Although I have had years of coaching experience within organisations, I am also qualified by ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring.

What results can I expect?

Every coachee sets their own coaching goals, but here are some quotes from my most recent clients:

“Charlotte has helped me in more ways than just in a work capacity. I feel more confident in life in general. She has made me trust and believe in myself.”

International Sales Director

“Doing the coaching has pushed me to want to go to the next level in my career. Can’t thank Charlotte enough!”

International Sales Director

“Your action orientated approach is really impactful as it moves it beyond a ‘good conversation with food for thought’ to driving tangible change.”

Chief Executive Officer

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is often confused with coaching, but is quite different. A mentoring relationship is one of information-giving, advice and guidance. The mentor is often more experienced than the mentee, usually within a certain function or field or experience. They are offering their advice on how to develop, grow, attain goals and overcome challenges, given their perspective and experience.

How does it work?

The mentor and the mentee establish a relationship, which may be longer term and more unstructured than that of a coaching relationship. Ongoing, the mentor shares their experience and gives guidance in a series of meetings or sessions, which take the form of conversations.

“Charlotte’s role as a coach and performance mentor is one that is highly regarded by many of my marketing colleagues and she excels in this arena. Her style is one of both candour and positivity and unwavering support.”

Courtney Ayre, Senior Marketing Manager (Les Mills International)