Executive Coaching

A good executive coach is a thought partner who brings clarity to key issues and helps develop a plan for addressing those issues.  This is a supportive process that uses the client's strengths to broaden their horizon and lead them to effective, often creative,  solutions.  

Leaders value these sessions because:

  • They have accountability, to themselves and me
  • They can bookmark ideas that flit across their landscape between meetings for future discussion
  • Some say "this is the only time during the month that I work ON the business, not IN the business"

Here’s How One Leader Found More Time (and so did his top managers)

October 2020

In April 2019 I began a series of monthly meetings (I think of these as executive coaching sessions) with the CEO of a mid-sized subcontractor.  Our primary goal was simple: Getting management team members to accept more accountability.  Simple, yes; easy, no.

By our last session the accountability goal had been achieved:

  • Daily job diary compliance rose from 60 to 95%,
  • Job quality improved,
  • Internal communication improved greatly,
  • The top two senior managers were working much better together,
  • Delegation increased,
  • The VP-Operations began taking a more global view of his job, and
  • July 2019 was the company’s best billing month to that time.

Moreover, the CEO had more time to plan for the future.  By 2020 he also found that work was more enjoyable, and the work pace was, for him, sustainable over many years.

After the CEO discussed his coaching experience with his VP – Operations, I began a five-month coaching engagement with him.  The CEO was pleased with the results of that work, saying that people could see a positive difference in the VP.  Also, the VP – Operations began working more effectively with the VP - Sales. 

The CEO next asked Tom to carry out a coaching program with another state operations manager.  A key goal for that work was delegation, and the leader accomplished that with outstanding results.  The state operation is expected to achieve major growth in 2021.

Testimonials

Brian Robinson, president, Robinson Electric

When we began our work together in 2014, we had a labor “crisis” at the Grammy Museum. At that time, I was all out of options and didn’t know where to find any additional resources for answers. I don’t remember how you came to mind, but I’m glad you did! That led into other projects and our work for the last 5 years.

Q: What was different about my approach than other consultants you may have used?
A: The solution came quick and there wasn’t much fee from you for that particular issue.

Q: Take me to the moment when you realized our work together was actually working to solve your problem.
A: For that particular problem, your guidance and resources played a key role in solving my immediate problem for a very “hot button issue” at that particular time.

Q: Tell me how life looks now that your problem is solved.
A: Because of that problem and the resources used to solve that problem, we’ve broadened our data base for labor resources for times of real need. In other words, we’ve stocked the pantry and I’m not afraid of labor hunger anymore!

"My monthly talks with Tom are very valuable.  A month never passes without me having at least one important topic to ask Tom about at our next call." - Vice President

“I look forward to these calls as much as anything else I do.  I think of them as a ‘staff meeting for me.’  It’s good to hear from another voice to validate things we’re doing well, just as it’s good to focus on areas that we can improve.  I come out of each call energized and charged up.”

"As a company owner, Tom is the ear I need when no one else seems to understand!" - William Hux

"Tom is my trustworthy sounding board who will not just absorb but will also give me valuable and critical feedback.  We often discuss confidential information that I cannot talk about with Just anyone." ~ Jerry Maxcy

"Because you know how I think, you consistently keep me on track.  There is nobody internally who can do this." ~ CEO

“I feel so much better after one of our meetings because as we talk I can cut through the clutter and concentrate on the really important issues. My brain is in a different gear when you leave.” -- Becky Dotson, President and CEO

“As a business owner, my responsibilities often seem endless. You’ve helped me concentrate on those issues that truly need my personalized efforts.” -- Danny Holmes, Owner

“I value your ability to help me concentrate on key focus areas and accountability so I can become a more effective leader.” -- George Malouf, CEO

“My regular meetings with you help me concentrate on things I would not do otherwise. They also make me do a better job of preparing for company staff meetings because I know you will critique the meeting agenda.” -- Ron Emery, Owner and President

"I chose Wagner Consulting Group because of Tom’s ability to understand and grasp my needs, and his ability to outline meaningful solutions to those needs. I received personal attention tailored to my specific situation, thoughtful analysis, and clear presentation of findings and recommendations." -- Mark S. Bounds, Owner & President

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