Q: Why are you an Executive Coach?
A: I have had 20 years of successful experience as a therapist and coach focusing on strengths, optimal functioning, and enhancing the well-being of individuals and groups. I have successfully worked with CEOs, lawyers, physicians, and corporate managers.
I overcame abject poverty. Growing up on welfare, I put myself through college and graduate school. I overcame financial obstacles in successfully launching and operating four companies. These experiential struggles have added validity, authenticity and legitimacy to my coaching skills.
Q: What is your point of view?
A: I apply positive psychology, which is supported by scientific research, to executive coaching. I believe in empowering the individual to realize his/her vision, goals, and desires. I believe, as in the book, the Inner Game of Tennis, in “unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance.”
Q: Why do you believe in gratitude as a component in executive coaching?
A: I believe that a person who reflects gratitude raises his level of executive prowess. This theory is supported by research. Gratitude helps people cope with stress as well as making it easier to accept setbacks. Gratitude enhances a person’s self-worth and enhances an executive’s performance. Better executive performance leads to increased productivity and profitability.
Q. Why do you believe in kindness as a component in executive coaching?
A: Research suggests that kindness increases one’s happiness. Happy leaders are more effective leader. If an executive writes a thank you note to an employee, unsolicited, the employee is more motivated and happy in their position. Happy employees lead to less turnover, which enhances the organization, leading to greater productivity and financial success.
Q: What are some of your initial strategies in coaching?
A: I believe in scientific assessment testing techniques as well as face-to-face interviewing a client during the initial stages of the coaching process. I like objective, well-research tests, along with the personal interview in formulating specific goals, setting up an action plan, and measuring success. The client and I establish where they are now (baseline) and where they want to be (aspirational goals).
Q: What are some of the tests that you use?
A: The StrengthFinder measures strengths talents in 34 areas. I also use the Appreciative Inquiry (AI). The AI has four stages: 1. Discovery: identify strength, assets, and wishes; 2. Dream: identify the dream or vision as an expression of strengths in the future; 3. Design: determine a plan to realize the vision; 4. Destiny: take action toward the vision. I use, in addition, the Hogan Development Survey (HDS). The Hogan is designed to measure the “dark side” traits that can interfere with sound judgment, disrupt relationships, and lead to derailment. Testing rapidly expedites the progress of the executive in obtaining his/her goals. Finally, I may use the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI). This test will explore: 1. How do you get energized 2. How you process Information 3. Decision making 4. Lifestyle 5. Your personality type.
Q: What is the first step of the coaching process
A: The first step is to meet with Dr. A to determine your aspirational goals. A written agreement is created. The agreement clearly establishes the goals, amount of time spent in coaching, and fees. The agreement strictly assures confidentiality.
Q: What is the second step?
A: The client may take tests. The client may fill out a personal coaching self-assessment relating to relationships, environment, spirituality, work, and money. The client may also fill out a well-being questionnaire. Well being questions may address: career, social, financial, community, health, and personal well-being.
Q: How do you set goals with the executive?
A: In setting goals, the coach and executive agree upon specific goals are: measurable, action based, and realistic.
Q: What about Obstacles?
A: Both the coach and executive address what might get in the way of achieving the goals; how to respond to unexpected obstacles; what may be an inner obstacle; what strengths can you tap in; and what you can do to change your situation?
Q: Why do you work with health coach Sharon Fecho?
A: Research shows that physically healthy executives perform better. I believe in coordination of the mind, body and spirit. Sharon has personally helped me, through nutrition and exercise, to lose over 30 pounds. I now have more energy and focus in my daily career activities.
