When’s the best time to initiate coaching? Whenever there’s a need for an executive to analyze challenging issues and examine alternative courses of action in a safe, supportive environment. Here are some of the most common situations:

• When a senior executive (especially the CEO) needs a confidant to help work through difficult people and operational decisions.
• When performance feedback (e.g. 360° assessment) points out the need for new skills and/or behavioural changes.
• When an executive needs to adapt to a new role or significant changes in a current one.
• When “high-potential” employees need to be actively groomed for new leadership roles.