Many of us aspire to be executive coaches, and some of us have got ourselves certified under different agencies. Based on my journey as a coach, I have found that organizational experience gives you a good sense of understanding others, while a certification provides you with a framework to work with coaches.

The following pointers may help you in becoming a more effective coach:

Seeing The Big Picture:

 It is important for coaches to understand the larger perspective of the organization from the business and the coach's point of view. There is a tendency to jump into a coaching assignment purely on available reports and finalizing the goal of the coaching assignment. While this is essential, a good sense of the business and organizational challenges would help in establishing the comfort level of the coach to open up and seek ‘coaching’ from the coach.

Reflective Listening:

The coach needs to be able to go beyond the obvious & help the coach draw insights for development. In doing this, the coach is able to see things in perspectives that have not occurred to them earlier. It also helps the coach to see ‘true value’ being provided by the coach. Focus completely on what the coachee is saying and is not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the coachee’s desires – hear their concerns, goals, values and beliefs about what is and is not possible.

Ownership:

 It is critical for the coach to take ownership and keep the momentum in the coaching assignment. Apart from the value that the coach adds, the coach needs to be able to consistently empathize with situations of the coach. A stronger commitment to change happens, when the coachee is able to see changes

happening in their approach or behaviors through behavioral skills training and get feedback of positive change from stakeholders – which motivates the coach to put in that extra effort for transformation.

Know Thy Coachee:

The coach needs to clearly understand the coach's passion, purpose and personality. The coach also needs to understand the coach's coping strategies and life aspirations, while looking at the impact of this on their current role. This helps take the coaching relationship to the next level.

Overall, you can be a more effective coach if you are able to help the coachee connect the dots and ignite the spark for the coachee to transform themselves.