Coaching for Success: How Executive Coaching is Reshaping Leadership Development

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Sridhar Laxman, Executive Coach & Founder, Lucid Minds Coaching

1) What are the advantages of integrating technology into executive coaching sessions?

Technology plays the role of an enabler in Executive Coaching just like it does across other industries. Virtual platforms like Zoom, FaceTime and Google meet have helped Coaches like me to serve Clients across the world,  we are also able to automate the scheduling of coaching sessions thereby making the process of booking time slots faster, simpler and easier. In addition to these, using cloud based services we can send follow up assignments, reminders and supporting material at frequent intervals to support the self -awareness journey of our clients.  In some situations we can record the sessions if the Client desires it so and and they can use it to rewatch, reflect and take necessary action for growth and progress.

2) How can you use data analytics and AI-driven insights to give executives more individualised coaching?

While the actual Coaching sessions are intuitive and conducted in the here and now, data analytics and AI driven insights can play an useful role in the pre program process i.e requirements gathering prior to the start of a coaching program,  in shortlisting, matching and selection process of a Coach as well as in helping the Coach share relevant ongoing support resources during the duration of the coaching program.

3) Can executive coaching help leaders at smaller organisational levels as well as senior executives?

The power of Executive Coaching is that it is human centric and by this I mean that the entire process and methodology is designed to support the individual or group of individuals participating in the coaching program independent of their organisation size, scale, line of work, geography or any other differentiating factor. Leaders across industries and organisation size can benefit from executive coaching to enhance their leadership skills, lead people well, communicate to inspire and empower, make effective decisions, problem solve efficiently , plan and scale business growth and bring out the best in themselves and others.

4) In your coaching experience, what could a leader expect from working with an executive coach?

Executive coaching supports the leader in increasing their self- awareness, sense of clarity, confidence, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, decision making and other important skills and behaviours for success at the workplace and in life outside of it. Leaders can expect their Coach to act as their confidential, non judgemental sounding board, support them in exploring their thoughts, values, beliefs  aspirations , vision, goals and action plans. Leaders can further develop executive presence, ability to influence key stakeholders and other key leadership skills with the support of an Executive Coach.Lastly, they can also work with an Executive Coach to become aware and address their derailing behaviours, feelings of stress, overwhelm, burnout, limiting beliefs and fears if any.

5) How has Lucid Minds Coaching impacted the executive coaching industry? How do you want to grow going forward?

Lucid Minds Coaching is in its 13th year right now and over the past 12 years, I have spent thousands of hours coaching corporate leaders, managers, teams, start up founders, entrepreneurs and business owners across 14 countries in unleashing their greatness. Coaching as a concept was fairly nascent in 2011 and has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 12 years and my firm Lucid Minds Coaching  has played a small yet significant part in building awareness on this powerful, transformational discipline. Moving forward I wish to serve more clients, both in individual and group coaching. My goal is also to offer online courses on specific topics that people are seeking to master. I publish insightful content related to leadership, career development and key skills on a regular basis and plan to continue that. Am also working to run programs to support aspiring coaches in enhancing their coaching , client interaction skills.

6) Is executive coaching more common or more successful in certain particular fields or sectors?

Certain sectors due to their worldwide wide presence and exposure to global best practices in leadership, people development have been early adopters of Executive Coaching , namely Information Technology, Pharma and Consulting Services. Having said that other verticals and industries have become more active and started leveraging Executive Coaching to develop their leaders. When it comes to success, organisations that have experienced and active Learning and Development  teams, that prioritise learning, invest in their people and approach coaching as an investment in talent development experience higher levels of success. Respecting boundaries between Coach and the Coachee and giving the latter the time and space to go through their exploration journey is another important factor in enhancing the quality of coaching outcomes in comparison to those who see Coaching as a quick fix for derailing behaviours.

7) How can a company foster a culture that fosters the success of executive coaching?

Organisations can foster a culture that supports the success of Executive Coaching by seeing learning and development as a strategic edge in growing and retaining talent. By using Executive Coaching to invest in people, keep them engaged, help them bring our their best they send out a signal that people come first and the organisation succeeds only when the people working in it are engaged, learning, growing, and excited about the possibilities ahead of them.Encouraging active listening, appreciation and empowering styles of leadership is also crucial for a healthy coaching culture. Lastly, recognising  that adult learning is different  and while training, teaching can make the workforce skilled, Coaching supports them in building highly self-aware, proactive employees with greater levels of ownership and accountability.