A Framework for Executive Leadership Coaching
There are a number of coaching frameworks that executive leadership coaches have found useful. I propose a simple framework here using the acronym S.H.I.N.E.
S – Set goals. As clients first engage in a coaching relationship, they will be called upon by their coaches to set goals for growth. This requires that clients understand their current environments, understand what motivates and excites them and identify a vision for success. This stage of the relationship is inclusive of a client’s unique experiences in their work environments and defies any gender norms that have not been inclusive of them. Coaches invite leaders to aspire to actions and outcomes that are rooted in their strengths.
H – Harvest strengths. As leaders move forward in the coaching process, they will be encouraged to explore their areas of strength. They may identify areas for growth as well. However, as clients understand their strengths, coaches will partner with them to employ these skills in planning for achieving the goals they identified for themselves.
I – Imagine options connected to inspiration and rooted in innovation. Once leaders work with their coaches to set goals and harvest their strengths, they can move toward considering options and obstacles that might impact their success. Leaders should not be impeded by traditional norms and stereotypes. Rather, coaches should encourage clients to think freely and imagine options they have not considered before to facilitate innovation.
N – Navigate multiple paths. As leaders have considered options and challenges they may encounter, coaches will help them move toward thinking through the most preferred courses of action and explore how moving from start to finish with each option might look, feel, impact them, and impact others. Coaches will help clients think through whether conventional norms and leadership practices work for them and help them think freely and outside of their comfort zones.
E – Empower yourself. As leaders have thought deeply and strategically about their goals, strengths, options, and paths, coaches will help move them toward the empowerment that comes with decision making and moving forward with action. Coaches will help leaders plan actions over the course of days, months and years and provide support in the form of serving as accountability partners.