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Johanne Bouchard

"The Leadership Whisperer" : Fostering healthy individuals and healthy organizations.

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Executive Leadership Coach 101

johanne bouchard executive leadership coach

It occurred to me that some people might not know what an executive leadership coach is, what it means to work with one, what the basics of a great relationship are and what to expect. Know that engaging an executive leadership coach is NOT a sign of weakness. Rather, it is evidence that you are opening yourself to more opportunities to grow with the help of a loyal supporter.

What is an executive coach?

There are a lot of executive leadership coaches around the world who are highly effective, successful and inspiring. They make an impact on leadership through their work and through the people they coach. However, the phrase “executive coaching” has been applied to too many individuals who are not qualified to be executive coaches, muddying the meaning.

An executive coach supports an executive. I define executive as being a member of the Pivotal Leadership TrioTM (PLT–as depicted below): The CEO; a board director who has responsibilities for leading within the board or managing aspects of governance; an executive who is a C-level executive, senior vice-president or vice-president who leads and manages a single functional area, cross-functional areas, or a number of functional areas, such as a Chief Operating Officer (COO) does. An executive can be an individual who leads a division or a subsidiary in the role of General Manager or President. An executive coach should typically be qualified to serve the needs of one of these leaders and/or of an entrepreneur who needs to grow his/her capacity for being an effective leader. (Some executive coaches also work with boards and understand board dynamics, and boards can benefit from this kind of outside advisor.)

pivotal leadership trio
In this image, Johanne is represented by the parabola: “I thoroughly enjoy supporting any and all members of the PLT.”

There are coaches who have been effective having been professionally trained in Organizational Development (OD) or through coaching institutes. Others have been executives and/or management consultants who have turned their insider experience into a foundation for coaching. Some coaches have a combination of both backgrounds.

An executive or former executive is not necessarily a great coach. It is a fine line to adroitly coach an executive without imposing a specific leadership style, ensuring that an executive leads with his/her full potential and talents while resisting the urge to define what should be. A great coach allows his/her executive clients to (ideally and eventually) see for themselves what is needed, so that they can more readily invite and embrace change.

There are a number of ways that an executive coach can work with an executive, and in my opinion there needs to be a clear set of expectations by the executive so that he/she can identify the best coach to meet stated goals and objectives. (If the executive is unclear, but was advised by someone to consider working on some aspects of his/her leadership, that can also serve as the basis for identifying the right coach.) The executive should speak with, and/or meet in person, the coaching candidate so that both can assess their chemistry and fit. Personally, I will never force a relationship in my role as a leadership advisor and trusted confidante. I want my client to feel a connection with me and vice versa; the rapport has to feel right to both parties.

Why work with an executive coach?

It’s time to consider working with an executive leadership coach when you need to tackle organizational and operational growth challenges, when you’re ready to be a more effective director at the board table, and/or when you need to address behaviors that get in the way of effectiveness as a leader and as a team player – such as personal dilemmas. Below are a few examples of when you might engage an executive leadership coach, although this is by no means a comprehensive list:

  • When an executive is scaling his/her responsibilities to a new role
  • When an executive is overwhelmed and stressed out; the pressure shuts him/her down or brings out the worst in him/her
  • When the CEO needs support to establish a solid culture
  • When an executive needs help developing his/her own persona and charisma to inspire and to be an effective communicator
  • When a CEO is struggling with leading with focus
  • When an executive and/or CEO is micro-managing and has not let go of being a manager
  • When assistance is required for conflict resolution within the executive team due to disruptive behaviors by an executive or by a board member
  • When an executive needs a confidante with whom to privately exchange about challenges and successes
  • When an executive is confronted with personal challenges, such as health issues or transitions, that impact the leadership flow
  • When an executive desires to increase self-awareness, harmony and authenticity in all things
  • When an executive’s confidence has been eroded through challenging organizational dynamics or less-than-ideal performance for being unduly too demanding on him/herself
  • When one expands his/her role and becomes an executive or CEO for the first time, and desires assistance with positive growth while taking on new responsibilities

The coach-client relationship

The key to progress and impact lies in the executive coach asking the right questions from the very beginning, and throughout the relationship. This helps prioritize and uncover the source of any challenges as quickly as possible, so that change and/or transformation can take place. With individuals in the Pivotal Leadership TrioTM, a coach-client relationship can’t afford to take an inordinate amount of time uncovering issues and identifying solutions or ways to get unstuck.

Respect needs to be established between the client and the coach from the very beginning. The executive must commit to learning, growing and addressing any issues that surface, and the guidance of the coach should drive the process forward, achieving a positive outcome for the executive.

Whatever the reasons and expectations for the relationship, the number one requirement for a healthy relationship between an executive and a coach is trust. There must be a trust and a commitment to confidentiality between the two parties. I do not disclose information about any of my executive coaching relationships. All my clients know that no one has to know we are working together. When I work with a board, a member of a board or an executive, particularly for a public company, it is sensible to keep the relationship contained and confidential. Unless the executive wishes to disclose about the relationship, discretion is most advisable.

I personally find it extremely fulfilling and rewarding to support a leader, to support a board or an individual who wants to maximize their potential. My clients typically have very few people they can count on to have their success, fulfillment as a leader and growth as shared intentions. It is inspiring to my clients to grow, and it is inspiring to me to see them grow, becoming more fulfilled and successful. In most of my work, while I support an executive with business dynamics and their role as leader, I also get to touch their lives in a positive way. I am a loyal supporter, and I want them to trust me.

I believe every executive who cares to be more effective should consider having a companion on the leadership journey! I believe also that a board and/or an executive team benefits by having an objective outside partner. That companion can be an executive coach, a trusted confidant or a proven leader who has experience and innate wisdom. It is a win-win!

Johanne Bouchard

Johanne Bouchard, a serial entrepreneur and former high-tech marketing executive, is a governance and leadership advisor to boards, CEOs, executives and entrepreneurs, as well as an expert in board composition and dynamics. An accomplished author and blogger, Johanne has published a number of eBooks, and her articles have been published in Ethical Boardroom and NACD's Directorship. She is an advocate for STEM, increased diversity in the boardroom and patients' rights.

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3 Comments Filed Under: Coaching, Spotlight Tagged With: executive coach, executive coaching, executive leadership coach, johanne bouchard, pivotal leadership trio

Comments

  1. Winnipeg says

    September 16, 2016 at 11:17 am

    These are some great points, I really enjoy your perspective on leadership. Can you tell me how I can go about helping the rest of my team make a mindset shift towards coaching?

    Reply
  2. Johanne Bouchard says

    September 18, 2016 at 1:02 am

    Please send me an email to johanne@johannebouchard.com It will be my pleasure to exchange with you. We can set up a Skype, FaceTime session or a phone call. Kind regards, Johanne

    Reply
  3. Johanne Bouchard says

    June 22, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Dear Winnipeg,
    I thank you for your comments. I am sorry to have missed your message. It will be my pleasure to exchange. I can be contacted via email at johanne@johannebouchard.com
    Kind regards, Johanne

    Reply

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The meeting was fantastic. It was an undisputable success. The interaction was superior and beyond what anyone could have thought was possible. Everyone embraced you and your skills in ways that I have never seen before. I learned a lot about the process and it has been very meaningful. It illuminated me into focused actions. It galvanized the entire executive team across the five business units. Really exciting…

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I recommended you for this task because I felt that the depth of inquiry and the thoroughness of your approach are important to bring the Board to a new level of quality and interaction. I found your work very complete and am glad that you brought to the surface a number of issues that have to be addressed to improve our effectiveness as a Board. Your observations and recommendations go to the heart of what makes a Board a team (and what gets in the way).

- Governance Chair

Johanne has an innate ability to bring out the best in all whom she touches. She practices what she preaches – patience, courage, generosity, wisdom and humility. Her contributions have positively impacted our Company and working environment and will result in increased profitability and shareholder value.

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Johanne is truly exceptional at what she does. I've worked with many consultants over the years, and what sets her apart is the combination of her right- and left-brain skills. She knows how to listen, catch unspoken cues, instill trust and openness, while also being focused on the substance of the issues, the complexities of the situation and challenges, and the business issues that have to get solved. She is direct and candid while also unusually sensitive. By applying these skills, she helped us analyze what was going on in our business, shed light on the core management and governance issues, and facilitated our discussions among the decision makers about the next steps to take. I would work with her again in a heartbeat.

- Independent Director, Governance Committee

I have seen Johanne's skilled handling of important executive interfaces and her ability to quickly get to the heart of the issues and lead to results. That certainly happened here. I found that even in cases where the participants thought they had good communication we reached new levels of connection and candor, all helping us be most efficient at a time when that is most important in our company.

- Senior Vice President

Johanne has provided a mirror into myself. Helping me to step back and view my actions and true feelings. By her perceptive and insightful questioning she enabled me to look within. Just being able to speak openly about myself was most helpful. Without question this awareness is leading to positive change both personally and professionally. I find myself a more effective participant with both my direct reports, peers and my Board.

- CEO

I thank Johanne for her clarity and quick ability to cut through the clutter. She made a huge difference. I have grown a lot. Johanne’s exceptional wisdom for defining and supporting the needs of clients were a real asset to us. Johanne is exceptionally gifted at understanding how to balance and focus for success. I highly recommend her to any company looking to grow.

- CEO

Thank you so very much for the day of focus for our team. We really needed it and I do not believe we could have done it without you. You are such a wonderful friend of ours. I personally left feeling inspired and clear. You are a beautiful person to facilitate those connections.

- CEO

Thank you for such a productive session. It was wonderful to have your support and focus in connecting the team. Your constant guidance in finding clarity is a true gift for our organization.

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The time spent was of tremendous help to me personally as it gave me a chance to review all aspects of our operations. Johanne's attentiveness and level of support was remarkable. Her sense for the big picture will keep us all focused on the right priorities.

I can't thank Johanne enough.

- CEO

Johanne Bouchard is a pioneer and a leader who brings to the process of executive coaching and strategic planning a focused, high-energy and highly- effective approach. In a short time and in a seemingly effortless manner, she leads an individual or a team to a crystal-clear understanding of their core values, their goals and a path to achieving them.

- CEO

Johanne has a remarkable ability to inspire others to share with perfect honesty, overcome their own barriers, and find greater clarity for their purpose. Her dedication to her work comes from a sincere passion for guiding others in their quest for successful leadership and life skills. Johanne's encouraging style supports rather than leads, promotes as opposed to advises.

- REMIA participant

Thank you very much for your kindness, warmth and thoughtfulness for our team. Your team building session was beautifully on point, and done very constructively.

- CEO

Johanne is an outstanding professional with exceptional coaching skills. She is insightful and a very effective communicator.

- Ken Coleman- Board Chairman, Saama Technologies and special advisor to Andreessen Horowitz Venture Capital firm

Johanne worked with our board at Accelrys to enhance our effectiveness. She provided tremendous value and insight in a very collegial manner.

- Jeff Rodek - Former Chair and CEO of Hyperion, Former President and COO Ingram Micro 

Johanne Bouchard is a unique consultant and advisor who brings clarity to high urgency situations in short order. She has served several of the companies I am involved with as a Board member in various assignments including Board 360, Executive Team assessment, leading and facilitating strategic planning sessions, and CEO coaching. In all these assignments she has displayed dedication, creativity, depth, and an unerring focus on reflecting the reality of the situation and presenting it as such to the client, with concrete suggestions for improvement and increased efficiency. I highly recommend Johanne.

- Ricardo Levy  - Lecturer at Stanford, former Chair, former Chairman and CEO of Catalytica  

If you have an organizational leadership problem to solve (the bigger the better) and need a tireless, objective collaborator to assist, challenge and drive you (and she WILL drive you), work with Johanne. And if you welcome the friendship that will grow from that experience, you couldn't do better.

- Steve Snyder - Former EVP/GM CBS Interactive Games, Music and Sports

Johanne's work is, in a word, spectacular. She digs in on a project like no one I know, she is thorough, thoughtful, and does superb "inquiry" work early in a project. She brings a wealth of experience to her projects, including marketing expertise, consumer research, management and leadership insights, and insightful summaries of the issues. Her work is honest, clear, clean, and useful. She is a truth-finder and a truth-teller. Johanne is an intense, yet calm and measured expert - she knows where to look, what to ask, and how to propose key points and plans of action. Her logistics and organizational skills are world class, and her follow up is superb. As you can read, my professional opinion of Johanne is of the highest level. I believe she can excel at virtually any assignment or challenge presented.

- John Hamm - Strategy and Leadership Advisor, Former VC, Former TCG - The Chasm Group Advisors and Former CEO

I have known Johanne since the times she was building BOSS when helping high-tech executives and companies with globalization and International market development. She was a pioneer in her field helping American companies not treating International as an afterthought. She was an invaluable trusted advisor to senior executives and CEOs in need to succeed in Europe and in need to adjust their leadership style to grow their organizations overseas. I recommend Johanne to CEOs and Executives as a partner when significantly challenged to take their organizations to new levels. She has broad operating, marketing and leadership experience and a proven track record to continually deliver results. Her dynamism is infectious/inspirational.

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