Realizing Your Extraordinary Future Through Executive Coaching
Abstract
By definition, the future can be a rather abstract term. While viewed as an indefinite time after the present, its arrival is inevitable. In fact, acquisition leaders in the Department of Defense (DoD) know firsthand how much their success depends on the future and plan ahead, accordingly. However, do they really think far enough forward and can they imagine thinking beyond their own possibilities? In the face of what seem to be overwhelming constraints, it is very easy to default to short-term thinking when the predictable includes reductions in funding, technology obstacles, and changes in user requirements. To help extend DoD s acquisition leader s thinking well beyond next week s incoming dilemma, the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) invested in two coaching initiatives designed to move performance beyond the predictable executive coaching and leader as coach. Through its powerful questioning methodology, coaching artfully guides leaders on a journey of self-discovery, centered on a model that breaks thinking barriers and can lead to an extraordinary future. Both coaching initiatives have proven to be effective ways in achieving promising results while developing strong leadership attributes in the recipients. Executive coaching, the first initiative, allows senior-level acquisition professionals in key leadership positions to enlist a DAU executive coach for 9 to 12 months. Since 2009, DAU has been actively working one-on-one with these high performers to help them realize an extraordinary future for themselves and the organizations they lead. Executive coaching provides a strategic confidant where the leaders candidly discuss and explore challenges that confront them, and devise the required actions that create a pathway for greater leadership success. The candidates primarily are program managers (PMs), program directors, and program executive officers (PEOs) at the GS-15/O-6 and higher level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA608687
Entities
People
- Lois M. Harper
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University