Is Executive Coaching The Right Step For You?
Get ready to confront some hard truths.
We all have times in our leadership journey when we feel stuck and uncertain about how to progress forward. Trust me, my friend, when I say you are not alone.
Having been an executive coach based in Singapore for over a decade, I’ve realised that everyone in leadership positions – and I mean, everyone (whether based in Singapore or in other regions) – will come to a point in their leadership development where they remain stagnant.
It has nothing to do with their competency or skill. But people can only go so far alone. And if you are part of those who want to go further, here’s some hard truths from an executive coach on what you, as leaders, must be prepared to “confront”:
Are you prepared to hear the truth?
There’s an interesting phrase in Singapore that goes, “ownself check ownself”. It was turned into a diss to the ruling party of Singapore that they were “clean enough” to act as its own gatekeeper (or bookkeeper).
Here’s what I’ve learnt. Yes, “ownself check ownself” can be a powerful way of advocating for self-awareness. But there are times you need to have someone to watch your back – this is especially true for leaders.
And an executive coach is that exact someone you want, and need, to watch your back.
Executive coaching provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your leadership style and those areas in which you excel or require support. But it requires you to be prepared to hear the truth, receive the truth, and act on the insights from the truth.
Are you ready to make changes?
This is the part about acting on the insights after hearing the truth.
Having an executive coach means that you’ve got someone to hold you accountable to making the hard changes. But you have to accept that and be ready to make the changes you need to in order to break through the wall that is standing between you and the next breakthrough in your leadership development.
Asking yourself if you're prepared to make shifts and take risks with fresh initiatives is key. I’ll be honest. It will take more than a 1:1 executive coaching session.
It will require you to try, again and again, and be ready to implement change and new strategies. This requires motivation and a growth mindset on your part.
Are you struggling in secret?
If your career success has left you questioning whether you’re qualified for your leadership role, you may be suffering from leadership imposter syndrome.
It can be difficult for individuals to seek help or explain their struggles in these situations, but the leadership coaching I have been doing in Singapore for over a decade is one outlet for you to examine these pressures without fear of judgement.
From techniques to recognise imposter syndrome triggers to regular check-ins, you don’t have to hesitate to confront the “skeleton in your closet” that is leadership imposter syndrome.
Are you ready to take a leap?
What I’ve just shared might be tough to swallow for many. But I don’t believe in sugarcoating this. The success of my executive coaching program in Singapore lies in the trust built between the coach (aka me) and the leader (aka you).
It is a two-way street. If a leader has their walls up and is unwilling to confront those hard truths above, there is a limit to what any executive coach can do.
Regardless, executive coaching can unlock the answers and pathways to success you've been seeking, no matter where you stand in this leadership rung.
Why delay any further in unleashing your untapped potential? If you are ready to take the leap, start your executive coaching journey with me now!
