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Executive Communication Coaching Is on the Rise!

By Oliver S. Schmidt
C4CSÒ, LLC

Have you ever worked with an executive who had stellar credentials, but who lacked the communication skills to match?  If so, you are not alone.  Formalized business education and training tend to pay little attention to advancing an individual’s communication skills.  Even though more and more companies are acknowledging that organizational communication plays a vital role in strengthening competitiveness and ensuring economic success, many managers remain ineffective communicators. 

This is a serious problem because no matter how brilliant a manager may be as a market analyst or financial strategist, without the skills necessary to effectively motivate staff, communicate expectations, listen to and connect with the rest of the organization, the manager will not be truly effective.  Due to comprehensive performance reviews and stakeholder feedback, companies are increasingly aware of their leaders’ communication strengths and weaknesses.  However, recognizing that there is a problem is the easy part.  Solving it is the much greater challenge.

The good news is that effective communication skills can be learned and improved through customized training and practice.  A communication coach can provide the expertise and guidance necessary to enable managers to reach their potential.  Whether it is interpersonal or group communication; public speaking; interview and presentation skills; or effective listening techniques, a skilled communication coach can help executives progress by implementing a coaching plan focused on the individual’s specific needs.

Some managers may be hesitant at first to tackle communication issues, but one-on-one communication coaching can bring about positive change for the organization as well as for the individual.  Many executives who have worked with a communication coach have experienced career advancement and prolonged success in their positions because they can communicate more effectively.  

Of course, it is important to select the right communication coach.  In general, an in-house communication or HR professional will be a good match to facilitate this process. There needs to be mutual respect and open communication between the manager and the communication coach and both must agree upfront upon goals, deadlines and confidentiality requirements.

Savvy companies realize that honing management’s communication skills has a positive impact on the bottom line and view the cost of executive communication coaching as a wise investment.

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Oliver S. Schmidt is the managing partner of C4CS®, LLC, a Pittsburgh-based firm that specializes in strategic communication and crisis management precisely tuned to protect and enhance brand equity, reputation and the bottom line.  He has provided executive communication coaching to client partners in North America, Europe and Asia.