How Executive Coaching Develops Authentic Leadership

An authentic leader sets direction and demonstrates conviction about the best course of action. However, authentic leadership also requires additional elements that help build a sense of shared purpose. This process requires four elements, which can be developed more rapidly with executive coaching that supports professional development. The process can be linked to Purposeful Conversations that help develop awareness, create insight, provide the basis for meaningful action, and provide the necessary level of support.
 
Step 1 – Developing Self-Awareness
- understanding your unique talents, strengths, essential purpose, core values, beliefs and desires; being open to experience, and receptive to feedback that supports the

Step 2 - Balanced Processing of Information
- making allowance for your subjectivity and able to consider multiple sides of an issue (and multiple perspectives) as you assess information in a more rounded, balanced manner.

Step 3 – Developing Authenticity (when working with others)
- striving to achieve openness and truthfulness in work relationships, using selective self-disclosure to build trust (and appearing genuine in your interaction with other people).

Step 4 - Authentic Behaviour / Action
- responding to situations professionally, in the context of what your role requires, whilst respecting your core values, and acting in a way that is consistent with these values.
 
Executive coaching tools can enhance Self Awareness and ‘Self Regulation’ (i.e. professional behaviour, consistent with internalized standards). This helps leaders demonstrate conviction and act as a positive role model. They ‘walk the talk’ and this helps foster authenticity in followers. However, to encourage discretionary effort and commitment to the organisation - the two key factors linked to increased productivity - additional steps are required. These include building people's sense of participating in meaningful activity, and supporting personal development. An effective executive coaching model adds focus to the process.

The flexibility offered by online executive coaching can be supported with additional face-to-face meetings. It is also possible for organizations to tailor aspects of the online coaching modules, so they refer to specific competencies or operational issues, which need to be addressed. This means that online coaching offers a cost-effective and high-quality solution to self-development. The development modules include individually tailored content (linked to an initial questionnaire) but also draw attention to real-life issues that need to be addressed.#

The steady progress that can be made with these coaching assessment tools helps enhance motivation and create an overall sense of purpose. The essential competencies are identified, and the steps required to raise standards are set out in the modules. The solution is effective for organizations of all sizes, and works well across different geographical locations.
Executive coaching assessment needs to be related to the essential competencies that contribute to effective analysis, positive interpersonal skills, and a clear focus on delivery of high-quality outcomes. Coaching helps create awareness of critical success factors and offers insight into the steps that contribute to outstanding results. It’s an investment in time that brings clear operational benefits.

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