Building Leaders Through Executive Coaching
It Can Get Lonely at the Top
As leaders climb the ladder, there are fewer and fewer people to talk to. Coaching can benefit the top executive who is striving to reach peak performance, the rookie leader struggling with new responsibilities, and every manager in between. Through coaching, leaders are able to refine their leadership abilities while having a confidential space to explore challenges and strategic decisions, all ultimately contributing to the organization’s success.
Whether you’re looking for an executive coach for yourself or a leader in your organization, our team is here to help.
Discover What Sets
Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting Apart
At Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting (DLCC), we pride ourselves on delivering a coaching experience that stands out from the rest. Our unique approach is designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring the highest level of confidentiality, personalized fit, and comprehensive support.
Here’s what makes DLCC truly unique:
Find the Perfect Fit
We have eight certified coaches, all of whom have different styles, experience, and backgrounds. We partner with every client to find the leadership coach that is the right fit for the results you’re looking to achieve.
With our proven Coach Match Process, you can be sure you feel confident with your coach before any contracts are signed. Our robust coaching team also means multiple people from the same organization can be coached at the same time without any conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality
If you’re looking for a coaching firm that will disclose what your employees are discussing in coaching, we’re not the firm for you.
We design confidentiality with every client so they feel safe and brave to explore new perspectives and truly get to the root of issues. What’s discussed in executive coaching sessions, stays in coaching. No exceptions!
Sponsor Involvement
We recognize that executive coaching is an investment. That’s why we involve a sponsor at the start, middle, and end of every coaching engagement an organization is paying for.
These sponsor/client/coach meetings get everyone aligned on the goals for the leadership coaching and provide opportunities for realtime feedback.
Thoughtfully Fit Gym Training
In addition to the executive coaching sessions, anyone who works with one of our coaches has access to the virtual Thoughtfully Fit® Gym, where they can watch on-demand training videos and participate in group coaching sessions to further develop their skills.
Combining the workouts with a supportive community and weekly inspiration will supplement the coaching to supercharge your results.
Our Proven Framework for Executive Growth:
The DLCC Way
At Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting (DLCC), we follow a strategic, proven process for everything we do. This is our commitment to ensure an effective partnership and sets the stage for what you can expect when working with us. It’s what we call “The DLCC Way!”
Determine fit and desired outcome • We begin by assessing whether our services align with your goals and vision. This initial phase involves understanding your objectives and determining the best path forward to achieve them. This includes:
- Conduct initial conversations with you, the DLCC Coach Coordinator, and potential Coaches using our Coach Match Process.
- Discuss confidentiality and other coaching best practices.
Learn current state • We explore your capabilities, challenges, and leadership style. We identify your coaching goals to work on during the engagement. This step includes:
- Complete a comprehensive pre-questionnaire to jumpstart the coaching.
- Conduct a two-hour Initial Discovery Session to set expectations, design your coaching alliance, and identify the goals for the coaching.
- Conduct an initial Sponsor Session with the Client, Coach, and Sponsor to discuss coaching goals (if a sponsor is involved).
- Complete Kolbe assessments and review comparison reports.
Create an exceptional client experience • During the coaching engagement, the Client and Coach engage in powerful sessions designed to increase awareness and identify new actions. Coaching provides the structure and accountability needed to supercharge results. During this step, you can expect:
- Conduct bi-weekly coaching sessions with the Client and Coach with designed homework and accountabililty through two 45-minute phone or video sessions per month.
- Conduct a Sponsor Session with the Client, Coach, and Sponsor to discuss progress towards coaching goals (if a sponsor is involved) and areas to continue to focusing on during the coaching engagement.
- Access unlimited email, text, and phone support for laser coaching between sessions.
Conduct an intentional completion • Upon concluding our engagement, we ensure a smooth transition by providing actionable insights and clear next steps. We help you maximize your investment by integrating the learnings into your ongoing leadership and team development efforts. This final step includes:
- Complete a Coaching Completion Form to reflect on new learnings and assess the coaching goals.
- Conduct a final session to celebrate successes, identify gaps, and determine the next steps.
- Conduct a final Sponsor session with the Client, Coach, and Sponsor to discuss and celebrate your progress towards the coaching goals (if a sponsor is involved) and ways to maximize the investment.
- Determine specific action items for you to continue development beyond the coaching engagement.
What You’ll Gain from
Executive and Leadership Coaching
Coaching offers a wealth of benefits that can transform not only individual leaders but also teams and entire organizations. Here’s what you can expect:
Enhanced Leadership Skills
Develop key leadership competencies such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication, empowering you to lead with confidence and clarity.
Improved Self-Awareness
Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots, allowing for more intentional and impactful leadership.
Better Decision-Making
Learn to navigate complex challenges with a clear mind and make informed decisions that drive your organization forward.
Increased Productivity
Streamline your workflow, set clear priorities, and delegate effectively, leading to higher efficiency and productivity.
Stronger Team Dynamics
Build a collaborative and supportive team environment, increasing morale, improving accountability. and boosting overall team performance.
Enhanced Emotional Intelligence
Improve your ability to manage emotions, build stronger relationships, and handle stress and conflict with poise.
Goal Achievement
Set, track, and achieve personal and professional goals with the support of a dedicated coach who keeps you accountable and motivated.
Adaptability and Resilience
Cultivate the ability to adapt to change, bounce back from setbacks, and stay resilient in the face of challenges.
Work-Life Balance
Learn strategies to balance professional demands with personal well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Is Executive Coaching Right for You
(or Your Team)?
Wondering if executive coaching is right for you or your team? Here’s a quick guide to who can gain the most from our coaching services:
- New Leaders: Individuals stepping into leadership roles for the first time, seeking guidance and support to navigate their new responsibilities.
- Experienced Executives: Seasoned leaders aiming to refine their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their next level of success.
- High-Potential Employees: Talented individuals identified for future leadership roles, needing development to prepare for their next big step.
- Team Leaders and Managers: Those looking to enhance their ability to manage teams, improve communication, and build a positive team culture.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Individuals running their own businesses who want to improve their leadership capabilities and drive business growth.
- Leaders Facing Specific Challenges: Executives dealing with particular issues such as conflict resolution, strategic planning, or organizational change.
- Professionals Seeking Personal Growth: Anyone looking to improve self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and work-life balance to become more effective in their personal and professional lives.
Executive coaching is for anyone committed to personal and professional growth. If you’re ready to unlock your potential and lead with confidence, our coaching services are designed to help you succeed.
Executive and Leadership Coaching
Client Success Stories
Finding the Right Coach:
Our Coach Match-Making Process
At DLCC, we understand that the right coach can make all the difference in achieving your leadership goals. That’s why we’ve developed our proven Coach Match Process to ensure you find the perfect fit:
Initial Call
We kick things off with a chat with our Coaching Coordinator to understand your specific needs and goals for coaching. Whether you’re looking for a coach for yourself or leaders on your team, we’ll get a sense of what results you want from a coaching engagement. We’ll also discuss your budget and any other preferences you have for your coach.
Preliminary Match
Based on our initial call, we handpick a couple of coaches who we think will be a great fit. After hearing about the potential coaches, you’ll decide who you want to meet with first.
Exploratory Session
You meet with your potential coach for a 30-minute session to get to know each other and see if there’s a connection. If it doesn’t click, no worries—you can meet with another coach on the team. Fit goes both ways; if the coach feels it’s not right, they’ll say so too. No hard feelings—the goal is finding the right match!
Coach Selection
Once you decide on the coach you want to work with, we move forward with the agreement. All of this happens before any contract is signed because we want to ensure everyone feels confident and excited about the coaching experience.
We believe the right coach makes all the difference. Our goal is to create a partnership built on trust and compatibility, setting the stage for a successful and impactful coaching journey.
Need a Coach for a Leader on Your Team?
We believe it’s crucial for them to be involved in the process to ensure they have buy-in with the coaching engagement. Following our proven process, your leader will meet with potential coaches during the exploratory session. We’ll introduce them to organization-approved coaches, allowing them to choose who they’d like to meet first and eventually work with. After all, it’s their coaching journey!
Meet Our Executive Coaching Team
At DLCC, our coaches all have their certifications from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring the highest standards of professional coaching. What sets us apart is our belief that one size does not fit all when it comes to coaches. Our team has coaches with diverse styles and extensive experience, ready to meet the unique needs of each client.
Through our proven Coach Match Process, your team members can learn about and select their own coach from a list of organization approved coaches, which leads to a trusting and comfortable coaching relationship. This personalized approach maximizes the impact of coaching, helping leaders achieve their goals more effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Coaching.
How do I know if coaching is right for me or leaders on my team?
We start with an initial assessment to understand your needs, goals, and challenges. This helps us determine if coaching is the way to go. We want to partner with you and identify what is best for your leaders. If after this first call there’s any hesitation on whether coaching is right for you at this time, we can end the conversation right there. We do not pressure anyone into coaching!
What's the difference between leadership and executive coaching?
Leadership coaching focuses on developing general leadership skills applicable at any level, while executive coaching is tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by top executives. Both aim to enhance leadership effectiveness, but executive coaching often involves higher-level strategic planning and higher-stakes decision-making.
What qualifications do DLCC coaches have?
All DLCC coaches are ICF (International Coach Federation) certified, ensuring they meet the highest standards of professional coaching and ethics. They bring diverse styles, experiences, and backgrounds to cater to various client needs.
What is the confidentiality policy at DLCC?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our coaching practice. All discussions in coaching sessions are strictly confidential, creating a space for clients to explore and address their core issues.
How long is a coaching engagement?
All of our coaching engagements start at six months. We find that’s the amount of time necessary to establish specific goals and make progress towards those goals. At the end of the engagement, there’s an option to extend the contract or transition to monthly or quarterly check-in coaching sessions.
How often are coaching sessions conducted? How long is the coaching session?
Coaching sessions are typically conducted bi-weekly, with each session lasting about 45 minutes. Additionally, we offer unlimited anytime support between sessions, when laser coaching will help you successfully navigate realtime challenges and opportunities.
How do clients meet with the coach?
Most of our coaching sessions take place via Zoom. If meeting in-person is important to you, be sure to share that during the Coach Match Process so we can identify the right coach for you.
Do clients need to do anything between coaching sessions?
Yes, clients often have tasks or action items they identify to complete between coaching sessions. These might include reflecting on specific topics, practicing new skills, taking a concrete step, or working on ideas discussed during the sessions. This work is designed to reinforce learning and ensure continuous progress toward the coaching goals.
What support is available between coaching sessions?
DLCC provides unlimited email, text, and phone support between coaching sessions to ensure continuous progress and support. All coaching clients also receive membership to our Thoughtfully Fit® Gym, a virtual resource offering on-demand training videos and group coaching sessions to further develop leadership skills.
How is the progress of coaching evaluated?
Progress is evaluated through regular feedback sessions, completion forms, and final review meetings. These evaluations help identify successes, gaps, and next steps. A sponsor (typically your boss or supervisor) can also be involved in the coaching to set goals, assess progress, and celebrate successes.
Isn't coaching only for leaders that are having performance issues?
Absolutely not! Coaching is beneficial for all leaders, whether they’re excelling and looking to reach even higher levels, or facing specific challenges. It’s about unlocking potential, enhancing skills, and achieving personal and professional goals.
Will your coaches tell my leaders what to do?
Our coaches don’t provide directives; instead, they facilitate self-discovery and empower leaders to find their own solutions. The goal is to help leaders develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond the coaching relationship. If you’re looking for more direct skill development, leader training might be a better option.
What if someone isn't coachable?
Not everyone may be ready or open to coaching, and that’s okay. Part of our proven Coach Match Process is to determine a person’s willingness and readiness for coaching. We strive to work with individuals who are motivated to grow and willing to engage in the process. If we think your leader won’t invest their time or energy in the coaching, we let you know before you make any financial investment.
Can I force one of my leaders to work with a coach?
Coaching is only effective when the individual is open and willing to participate. Forcing someone into coaching typically doesn’t yield positive results. We recommend encouraging your leaders to see the value in coaching and supporting them in the decision to engage voluntarily. We can assist with this too during our proven Coach Match Process.
Can you guarantee results?
While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, we can assure you that our proven coaching process, experienced coaches, and tailored approach significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving your goals. Success in coaching depends on the commitment and engagement of both the coach and the client. Our role is to provide the tools, guidance, and support needed to foster growth and development. With dedicated effort, positive and impactful results are highly achievable.
Can multiple individuals from the same organization receive coaching simultaneously?
Yes, our robust coaching team allows multiple individuals from the same organization to receive coaching at the same time without any conflicts of interest.
How much should I budget for a coaching engagement?
Our six month coaching contracts start at $8,500. That price varies based on the certification, expertise, and experience level of the coach that you select. This includes the pre-questionnaire, initial discovery session, coaching sessions, sponsor sessions at the beginning, middle and end, membership to the Thoughtfully Fit Gym, and anytime additional laser coaching between sessions.
What if I just need one coaching session?
Contact us to see if a Strategy Session might be the right option for you.