Ted Wang

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. — Pat Riley

It is widely accepted that coaching is an integral part of achieving athletic excellence. Every top athlete works with a group of coaches on topics ranging from strength and conditioning to the elements of the sport itself. Why then is there such hesitation around executive coaching?

Executive coaching is a powerful tool for individuals looking to achieve greater personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, in many contexts there remains a negative stigma around coaching, which can hold people back from seeking the help they need. Historically, there was a notion that for a board member to suggest coaching for an executive implied that there was something that needed to be fixed with that executive. This is no longer the case. As coaching has become more pervasive in the business context, it is now simply another way to invest in an executive’s success. It is now more common for board members to view coaching as a benefit that should be funneled to their highest potential performers rather than a remedial solution for laggards.

It’s important to note that many high achieving executives have coaches. They understand the value of working with someone who can provide them with objective feedback, help them identify blind spots, and develop strategies to achieve their goals. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to offer coaching as part of their leadership development programs.

Feedback, in general, is a good thing. Whether it’s from a coach, a mentor, or a colleague, feedback can help us improve and grow. Professional athletes have coaches because they understand that it’s impossible to be the watcher and the watched. A different perspective can be incredibly valuable, especially when it comes to identifying areas where we can improve.

Another important point to consider is that just because a coach may not have the specific experience that you are looking for advice on, it doesn’t mean the advice is invalid. Many excellent coaches use principles that apply to a wide array of circumstances. Coaches are trained to help you explore your values, beliefs, and motivations, and to challenge you to think differently about your approach to leadership and problem-solving.

Regrettably it seems that coaching suffers from the same problem as mental illness, which also carries a stigma. It’s crazy for society to treat someone who has a bodily illness such as cancer one way and someone who has severe depression another, yet that is certainly the case today. I’ve seen the consequences of this with my family and it is a tremendous barrier for folks combatting a very difficult situation. Whether it’s executive coaching or treatment for mental illness, seeking help should come with no negative judgement attached.

Before wrapping up, I need to address the elephant in the room. Yes, I am a coach, and as such have a vested interest in extolling the benefits of coaching. But let’s be real, there are ways to make a lot more money than by coaching! I have my own amazing coach, who has helped me tremendously and so I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of coaching. I’m dedicating my energies to coaching because I believe in it.

At its core the decision to seek executive coaching is the notion of setting aside a dedicated amount of time to discuss the most important challenges an executive is facing with a trusted partner. It’s hard to see how this practice is a bad idea. Despite the stigma that still surrounds coaching, it’s important to recognize the many benefits that it can provide. Working with a coach can help you identify blind spots, develop new strategies, and improve your overall performance. At the same time, it’s important to challenge the negative attitudes that still exist around seeking help and pursuing personal and professional growth. It’s always a good idea to ask for more help, and we should encourage each other to do so without fear of judgement.

Ted Wang

San Francisco Bay Area

4K followers 500+ connections

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Ted Wang

Ted Wang

San Francisco Bay Area 4K followers 500+ connections

See your mutual connections View mutual connections with Ted Anmelden Willkommen zurück E-Mail oder Telefon Passwort anzeigen Haben Sie Ihr Passwort vergessen? Anmelden oder Neu bei LinkedIn? Jetzt anmelden oder Neu bei LinkedIn? Jetzt anmelden

View Ted’s full profile

Gemeinsame Artikel erkunden

Others named Ted Wang in United States

Ted Wang

Ted Wang

Ted Wang

Ted Wang

San Francisco Bay Area

4K followers 500+ connections

View mutual connections with Ted

Willkommen zurück

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