As executives, we recognize the importance of strategic planning for our business. Oftentimes, we hire outside experts to come in and provide independent facilitation of the discussion between constituents, such as the CEO, senior leadership team and the Board of Directors. A facilitator is brought in to make sure everyone is heard, provide expert insight, prod the group to think differently and, ultimately, help the group to set the vision on where the company is heading. We typically don’t linger too long on the price of involving a seasoned facilitator and expert strategic planner, as we readily understand the value. Executives who have been through strategic planning understand that having the right facilitator in the room can be critical to a successful outcome.
It’s surprising then that CEOs and executives don’t as easily spend money on their own professional development by hiring an executive coach. In essence, it is similar to strategic planning facilitation. A great coach listens to all of the voices speaking in the mind of an executive and helps to sort out who is saying what. There is the voice of fear and doubt, the voice of concern, and the voice of great optimism, all trying to speak at once. Sometimes there is confusion on the future vision and the "meaning of it all" which needs to be heard and clarified. Sometimes there are big changes ahead and it can be invaluable to have an unbiased expert to provide input and a confidential, safe place to share all that is happening in order to focus one’s Self.
Once a leader has done personal strategic planning where the voices have been heard and sorted out, others begin to notice. They relax, seeing that the leader is less scattered and more focused which in turn instills confidence and positive forward momentum.
CEOs and executives who have been through this process know the value of having the right leadership coach in their court.