You're looking for an executive coach to partner with for greater success. You want help with thought-provoking and creative processes to maximize your potential. And you want that partnership to be solid as well as flexible; because you can't guarantee you'll always be available for face-to-face meetings.
Luckily talented executive coaches know how to create an effective partnership no matter the location.
The relationship with a coach is often seen as very personal and many executives believe that if they are not able to meet personally with their coach then they will not be able to develop a strong relationship and achieve their set goals.
Fortunately, this isn't the case. Experienced and capable coaches routinely overcome the need for face-to-face meetings. They understand the benefits of a flexible schedule and can utilize important tools to ensure effective work continues to be done.
Most of the benefits are time-related. For a busy executive who is not always able to keep regular hours, meeting times, and who may be traveling a lot, coaching conversations by phone can bring the flexibility that they need.
Although coaching programs tend to have a structure and focus based on specific goals that the executive wishes to achieve, clients also need to talk about a specific and urgent topic from time to time. By being available on this flexible basis and not needing to meet up in person allows them to receive the coaching when they actually need it.
Another benefit of virtual coaching by phone or zoom is that you get a highly efficient way of working. You can cover more in less time with focused conversation, dedicated times, and no distractions.
An important benefit is also cost-related. While coaching contracts are related to specific goals and dedicated time frames - you save costly travel expenses by opting for most of the coaching sessions to be held virtually rather than in person.
There are a number of ways that one can overcome the loss of personal contact, especially when the client and coach do not have a prior relationship.
The most effective way is to use one of the video conferencing tools that most of us have access to today – Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime etc.
These can be very effective as they allow almost natural interaction between people – they give a face to the voice, a personality to the person. Including these from time to time is enough to keep the relationship strong and effective.
Another way to accelerate an understanding of each other is through the use of assessment tools. These are often used as part of the coaching process and if the coach shares their own profile with the client, this not only builds a good rapport but also helps the client in understanding their own personal styles in relation to others.
If you need to work through documents together or present information then there are numerous webinar and screen sharing tools available.
Your decision about which coach you work with should be based on your needs and the skills, experience, and style of coach that is best going to help you achieve your objectives, not simply local availability. The right coach will ensure your experience is effective and successful, no matter the distance.