Management Training and Development Coaching Essay

Management Training and Development Coaching - Essay Example In the same vein, they were supposed to be the image of one serene and calm on the outside, "despite paddling like hell underneath."2 This paper looks into coaching, particularly executive coaching as a management training and development tool, considers its strengths and weaknesses, and presents the organisational context in which it is most appropriate and effective. Real examples of best practice are also provided through four cases. Coaching initially referred to remedial situations where one gets to be coached because of under-performance or unsatisfactory behaviour. Now, coaching usually refers to developing people within an organisation to be able to become effective workers.3 It uses a variety of tools and techniques from a wide range of theoretical backgrounds including organisational theory, occupational psychology and psychometrics, learning and counselling. Depending on the needs of the client, these tools are used in different situations and with different clients. Common tools, models and techniques used in coaching include Kolb's learning cycle, the GROW model, 360 degree feedback, psychometric instruments, goal setting and emotional intelligence models.4 Executive coaching is onl... Executive coaching is a process through which executives are helped to improve their performance and personal effectiveness while reducing stress. It facilitates the identification of inner resources, reveals the need to learn new behaviors to enhance performance, and challenges underlying beliefs and values.7 A leader who develops a coaching mindset and skills is believed capable of unlocking the potential of his or her people, and therefore of creating the next generation of inspirational leaders.8 Participation then in an executive coaching program would offer the rare opportunity for an executive to stand back and to take a fresh look at his experiences and assumptions of a lifetime.9 Carol.Braddick10 would call coaching one of the many practices that can reasonably be linked to high performing companies in terms of raising standards. In fact, executive coaching draws out individual potential by raising self-awareness and understanding, and facilitates learning and performance development that create excellent leaders.11 Executive coaching is now a widespread development tool being used by organisations across the United Kingdom and the United States.12 To John Mason, 13 executive coaching as a professional intervention will save very significant amounts of money because one may not have to remove an under-performing executive, or recruit, and then train a replacement. Its popularity nowadays is based on its strength as a management development tool. First, it gives direct one-to-one assistance and attention that fits into timeframes and schedules of those participating in coaching where they get to see quick results.