Six ground rules for successful coaching engagements.

If you are thinking about investing in executive coaching services ... read on.

1) Coaching is optional.

Coaching is an investment in one's careeer and in the successful implementation of a company's strategy.

2) Coaching is about relationships.

We make sure that our coaches are compatible with our clients, adding value each step of the way.

3) Coaches work for the client.

We focus our energy on our clients' needs and those of their companies'.

4) Coaching focuses on the soft stuff.

Our success lies in the difficult work of shoring up or leveraging soft skills, including the ability to assign the right people to the right roles, gain commitment to a strategy, develop strong relationships, communicate effectively, "manage up", delegate and inspire. We recognize that better soft stuff will lead to the right hard stuff.

5) Coaches must deliver.

Executive coaches are sometimes called "performance coaches". Coaching that focuses on business performance is key to improvement in executive performance. It is essential that coaching goals include the "what" of quantitative business improvement (for example, project success) as well as the "how" of qualitative behavior changes (such as stakeholder alignment).

6) Coaches are change agents.

When clients hire a coach, they are looking for a change. We work closely with our clients to ensure the process is successful.