The Sherpa stance – the guiding principles to Sherpa coaching.
The Sherpa stance is another reason why the Sherpa process is unique and effective. The Sherpa stance has 4 elements that guide the coaching parameters for executive coaches. They are:
• Precise – is the issue that the client so presenting specific enough that some action can be taken to address it. It is surprising how many times clients will talk to coaches about situations with a coach and yet no specific action plan results. This is usually because the issue was not precisely defined. We often push our clients to tell us exactly how the issue “looks” at work with as many examples and specifics as possible.
• Present – Past situations really don’t mean much to us anymore except as examples. Future actions can be strived for but cannot be coached yet. The present is all that matters when taking coaching action that makes a difference.
• Personal – Actually this point should be read NOT personal. Executive coaching is a business function and should stay there. Issues in a client’s personal life are the venue for life coaches and therapists.
• Possible – Sometimes a client wants to work on situations that are beyond their control. The most common example is a their wanting to have a new boss. Well, in most cases, that is not going to happen unless they change jobs. So, it is really not possible. A good executive coach will help them to see that and then work on changes that are under their control and can make a difference in their work environment.
Jerry Kleinhaus
Oakley Advisors
Certified Executive Coaching
Cincinnati, Ohio
