Sometimes clients hire me to watch a meeting or conference and provide my impressions. Executive coaches are known for being sharp observers who can provide some valuable insights, and many organizations are willing to pay good money to listen to our findings.
This past week I observed a two-day conference that included my client, their own customers, and a number of prospects. The client was presenting their product and getting feedback.
The two days included an overwhelming amount of information, issues, discussions, and loose ends.
At the very end of the proceedings, I met with a very frazzled client executive team, and did what they asked me to do. I started:
“Based on these two days, here are three things I saw that are critical to your company right now….”
(Unlike many so-called coaches, I don’t care to take the easy road, which is asking the client what they think the key issues are. They are not paying me to ask simple, lazy questions that anyone can answer, but instead they expect my honest, candid observations!)
Then I provided a concise summary of each issue and the alternatives facing the client.
The client was extremely grateful to have someone who could discard all of the extraneous issues and help them focus in on true priorities. We all lose focus after being inundated with daily crises and fires, and it is valuable to have someone who can take a step back and help people gain rapid clarity, insights, and a clear sense of priorities.
Note also that the client engaged me to help them continue to focus and resolve those issues.
This is one small example of the value executive coaches can provide. On a personal note, I had a wonderful trip, got to visit one of my favorite cities, enjoyed some great restaurants, and strengthened my relationship with a loyal and terrific client.
