By Leslie Pratch
Adults can grow and change in the context of an empathic, unconditionally positive, and trusting relationship. Below are the principles from which I operate.
Person-specific: Prospects go through my assessment prior to our defining the coaching program. The assessment and discussion about it helps both of us understand the person as a whole, complex person, including formative influences, motivations, goals, coping style, interpersonal relationships, and sustaining social supports outside of work.
Non-advice giving: I do not supply advice or answers. I facilitate the conditions for the client to arrive at their own solutions.
Non-judgmental: I do not judge the decisions or behaviors of a coaching client, ever. I hold the client in positive regard, always. This stance creates a safe and positive environment that allows the client to explore choices and options before taking action on them.
Action-driven: Coaching is about positive changes towards future goals. Focusing on action encourages the client to master new behaviors and attitudes that promote change and lead to real results.
Scheduled time: Clients need completion dates for achieving goal. Putting a time on the calendar for self-development motivates clients to do something before the next coaching session. The existence of the scheduled time motivates client to work towards their goals.
Results-driven: Coaching is measured by results or positive changes towards future outcomes. Clients identify and articulate their own goals and desired outcomes. Goals are measurable in order to track progress. They are time bound: Deadlines motivate clients to organize themselves and move towards goals attainment.
Flexible: I adapt to the needs of each client and each client’s state of mind each session. I use a variety of approaches to help clients reach each of their goals.
Mutual respect: The client and I have a close relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. This relationship focuses on positive change for the client. I have an unwavering belief in the client’s ability to succeed.
Accountability: I hold the client accountable for homework and challenges related to the goals of coaching. It is my job to keep the client on track.
Much of my latest writing appears in The European Financial Review
About the Author
Leslie S. Pratch is the founder and CEO of Pratch & Company. A clinical psychologist and MBA, she advises private equity investors, management committees and Boards of Directors of public and privately held companies whether the executives being considered to lead companies possess the psychological resources and personality strengths needed to succeed. In her recently published book, Looks Good on Paper? (Columbia University Press, 2014), she shares insights from more than twenty years of executive evaluations and offers an empirically based approach to identify executives who will be effective within organizations – and to flag those who will ultimately very likely fail – by evaluating aspects of personality and character that are hidden beneath the surface.
Leslie Pratch's Blog 