Executive Coaching

As I have been promoted into management (kicking and screaming) I now have access to an executive coach courtesy of my employer. So far, three sessions in, I am thrilled with how it is helping me.

I definitely don’t look like either of these dudes…

executive coaching

When I left my last job (early 2016), I swore I would never ever again climb into the ranks of “management”. Many reasons, but mainly it was because every time I had been elevated to a “people manager” a pattern appeared. My manager would swear that I would be able to replace myself, what is known as “back-fill”. And each time I was promised that a req would be opened up for the replacement for my old role.

Newsflash: It never happened.

That led to over work, having two jobs, and a virtual doubling of my workload (and stress).

No surprise that I would either sabotage my career by quitting, or I would get wedged into a position that was untenable.

Thus, understandably, in my current role, I have avoided being promoted into management for a full eight and a half years.

A couple of months ago, that streak ended when I was promoted (off-cycle, a rarity in my company), but this time, I am being provided with ample resources to succeed.

What a novel concept!

And one of these resources is access to a (generous) program of executive coaching.

Over the next five or so months, I have unlimited access to resources and services from our partner that provides this service for us.

I have had three coaching sessions so far, and I have to say that it is helping me already in less than 3 weeks. My biggest issues are some deep-seated self-loathing and the imposter syndrome that comes with it.

It’s a long story, but growing up as a “gifted” youth, without parental support coupled with my parent’s marriage breaking up when I was 5 years old, it left me with crippling self-doubt and deeply rooted insecurities.

In short, I can’t accept compliments, and I make many self-deprecating comments as a way to compensate.

But the coaching is helping a lot, and my coach is quite gifted at making me pause and reflect, at times painfully, but it is working. There’s still plenty of work to do on that front.

After each session he provides me with reading and activities that are tailored to help me work through my issues.

My employer pays for a deluxe package, where I get unlimited access to the coaching and all the extras that they offer (my coach was rather impressed by what I had access to.)

Right now, I am on a schedule to spend 45 minutes with my coach every other week, and if I had to admit it, it is working a treat. I look forward to each session.

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