When you self-disclose, you will take yourself further.

When you self-disclose, you will take yourself further.

Executive Coaching

With Mike Donahue

“NO ‘COMMONPLACE ACHIEVEMENT’ SHOULD SATISFY OUR AMBITION TO EXCEL.”
Chris Lowney, author of “Heroic Leadership,” former Managing Director of J.P. Morgan & Co

Few people realize that highly effective coaching is not about what you DO. It’s about being — how willing you are to be uncomfortable, take risks and try new behaviors. When a client recognizes this, coaching can be highly effective.

My executive coaching clients would all agree with Lowney’s statement. When they first come to me, they often feel stuck, in need of someone to help them satisfy their ambition to excel. Many know their performance at work could be better, and while they’re asking for feedback, they feel they may not be getting the truth from their direct reports, peers or those to whom they report.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH ME AS YOUR COACH:

  • “Aptissimi” means to become the best. My role is to help you aim high and to keep you focused on your goals. “Magis” is a Latin word that means “more” or “better.” We will aim high and keep restlessly pointed toward something more, something greater.
  • Fierce conversations. You have my commitment that I will say what others leave unsaid, even if it makes you (or me) uncomfortable.
  • What presidential advisor Clark Clifford called a “third opinion.” I bring to our coaching sessions an outsider’s perspective with no agenda other than to help you succeed.

If you would like to speak to one of my coaching clients or reference, please let me know. I would be happy to put you in touch with someone.

Executive Coaching FAQs

  • Q: What is Mike’s executive coaching approach?
    A:

    I’ve seen dozens of definitions of coaching and haven’t liked any of them. I believe the coach is neither a counselor nor consultant, and I tell my clients that coaching is about 3 things:

    Change. Coaching is a partnership designed to produce positive change in performance. Working together, the coach and “coachee” can transform how a person leads and interacts with colleagues.

    Discovery. We will hold up a mirror to help you see what you are ignoring or overlooking. Coaching promotes learning through discovery. A coach’s role is to tell the truth, to make things visible; it’s about what Susan Scott, calls “fierce conversations.”

    Accountability. The coach is there to motivate a person to take action, to try new behaviors and hold them accountable for their commitments.

  • Q: What happens during an executive coaching session?
    A:

    The agenda is yours. I start by asking, “What is the most important thing we should talk about today?” If the thought of discussing a particular issue makes you uncomfortable, that’s a sign that you should put it on the table. Success is predicated on my ability to engage you in conversation that will invoke change. I will push you to make decisions or to take action, and I will hold you accountable for the commitments you make.

    As a client, you can expect certain consistencies in my approach:

    1. I use tools including the EQ-i assessment (to tell you how you’re wired, help you understand why you’re wired as you are, and give you insight into where you can work to get the results you want) and the Immunity Map (to uncover the issues that are inhibiting change and identify opportunities for improvement).
    2. I’m skeptical and I ask a lot of questions, drilling down to get to the root of challenges or situations. (These aren’t always easy conversations.)
    3. We progress to a combination of consulting (recommendations), teaching (processes and techniques to use) and mentoring (I’ve been there).
    4. Finally, we uncover how you’re responding to forces at work around you and ask “why?” We hold up the mirror so you can see yourself as others see you; only then can you bring about long-lasting, positive change.
  • Q: When and where do you meet clients?
    A:

    We meet once each month for up to 2 uninterrupted hours. My goal is to make these one-to-one coaching sessions the most important meetings you have every month. Within six to nine session, I expect to have accomplished substantial progress and made a real impact.

  • Q: What are Mike’s expectations of his clients?
    A:

    I ask three things of all my coaching clients:

    1. Candor. The one-to-one coaching session is a place for openness and honesty. Coaching cannot be effective if you’re unwilling to discuss your real issues.
    2. Commitment. Be steadfast about getting better by honoring your promises.
    3. Vulnerability. The one-to-one is a safe, high-trust environment, a place to be honest, a place to take risks. Here, I ask clients to self-disclose, discuss the REAL issues — you know them intimately; they’re the ones that keep you awake at night.

READY
for real
CHANGE?

Learn about one of Mike’s fundamental coaching tools: Immunity to Change Mapping

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