Frequently Asked Questions
What is Executive Coaching?
Executive Coaching provides solution focussed, results oriented outcomes for executives, policy makers and professionals through a systematic process whereby personal and professional development is enhanced.
What are the benefi ts to executives?
Executive coaching helps you explore the situations and issues you are facing to encourage you to think more thoroughly and take ownership of your professional growth; it can also assist with setting strategic goals, achieving organisational strategic directions and building corporate values.
What are the agency benefi ts?
The purpose of this initiative is to develop and strengthen executive leadership and management level abilities to meet current and emerging challenges of the Territory. This initiative reinforces the Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) Executive Leadership Capabilities.
Who is eligible for executive coaching?
The initial target audience for Executive Coaching was NTPS employees at the senior executive levels, from Executive Offi cer 1 (EO1) (or equivalent) and above. However, agencies should determine which classifi cations are eligible to access this coaching as succession management often identifi es talented people at other levels.
What particular issues can executive coaches assist with?
The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) has established a panel of executive coaches who will assist with issues such as:
- Improved leadership and management style(s)
- Modelling behaviours of success
- Developing confl ict resolution, change management and other skills
- Enhancement of strategic planning and problem solving skills
- Assistance with development of business strategy skills
- Raising personal confi dence and self-esteem
- Identifying and addressing personal attributes which need strengthening
- Provision of an independent perspective
- Opportunity to discuss issues confi dentially
Who are these executive coaches?
Approximately 30 executive coaches, selected from three service providers, have secured a place on the OCPE panel contract. Backgrounds of the coaches include former SES offi cers, consulting psychologists, and retired senior government offi cials. Experience ranges from international corporate expertise to successful business franchisees. These executive coaches have extensive experience coaching at executive levels in the public and private sectors.
Is it possible to see the profi les of the executive coaches?
Yes. You may want to express a preference for a coach, however, we recommend that you consider the matches which the service provider shortlists for you.
How will I know whether the coach is suitable for me?
The three service providers will undertake a matching process, based on the information you provide, to ensure you are aligned with a coach who most closely meets your requirements.
How will executive coaching be delivered?
There are two delivery models for executive coaching:
- Structured Executive Coaching. This is a strategic developmental opportunity for executives to
plan for holistic personal and professional growth. Coaching sessions will be phased over a 12
month period. Your line manager will be involved at the beginning of the coaching relationship,
ideally with a view to endorsing the goals or development plan. - Situational Executive Coaching. Occasionally, a situation or issue may arise whereby you
may require immediate support. The situational model is designed to provide an additional
perspective and insight to alternative approaches and solutions over a shorter time frame.
Depending on the circumstances, the HR Director or your line manager may provide a contextual
briefi ng to the coach prior to the coaching relationship commencing.
What methodology do the executive coaches utilise?
Executive coaches will apply innovative strategies to meet the many challenges of senior executives
through:
- advanced application of action learning,
- applying the principles of adult learning, and
- through a wide variety of learning methodologies and tools.
Are all the executive coaches based in the Northern Territory?
Many of the executive coaches on the panel contract are based interstate. Best practice recommends that the fi rst meeting between you and your coach should be face to face. The cost of (economy) fl ights and accommodation will need to be covered by your agency. Subsequent meetings with interstate coaches can be held over the telephone or via video conference. Situational executive coaching may take place entirely over the telephone or via video conference.
How do I apply for Structured Executive Coaching?
Step 1:
Secure fi nancial approval from the delegated offi cer within your agency
Step 2:
Complete the Structured Coaching Form (based on the NTPS Executive Leadership Capabilities) and forward to the three providers; include:
- job description (if available or an outline of your role)
- up to date resume
Step 3:
Select the most suitable coach from the shortlists you will receive from the service providers Best practice recommends the initial meeting be face-to-face; this would be followed by 1-2 hour sessions to be held approximately every 2 months within a 12 month duration.
My resume is extremely out of date, how should I structure it?
Many websites with information on designing executive level resumes now exist. In addition companies will design your resume for a fee. Examples of resumes can be found on the following web pages:
http://www.businessmind.com.au/resumes_examples.html
http://www.blueskyresumes.com/free_resume_samples.html
http://executiveresume.com/resume_sample3.html
How do I apply for Situational Executive Coaching?
Step 1:
Secure fi nancial approval from the delegated offi cer within your agency
Step 2:
Complete the Situational Coaching Form and forward to the three providers; include:
- job description (if available or an outline of your role)
- up to date resume (if available)
Step 3:
Select the most suitable coach from the shortlists you will receive from the service providers Situational executive coaching may take place entirely over the telephone or via video conference. The number of sessions will depend on the nature of the coaching required. It may only require 1-4 sessions (1.5 hours each) which may be scheduled in close sequence.
Who do I fax my coaching form to:
Contact details of the three service providers are provided in your briefing pack.
What is the turnaround time for the matching process?
Structured Coaching:
Service providers will aim to match you with a coach within one working week of the receipt of your Structured Coaching Form. Shortlists will be emailed directly to you by the service provider.
Situational Coaching:
Service providers will aim to match you with a coach within three working days of the receipt of your Situational Coaching Form. Shortlists will be emailed directly to you by the service provider.
How much does executive coaching cost?
Each service providers rates are available from your HR Director. All rates are hourly and range from $220 to $355 (GST inclusive) and will be paid for by your agency. Where a coach is required for a face-to-face meeting the requesting agency is responsible for paying the economy class airfare, accommodation and incidentals to the value of $220 per day (GST inclusive) maximum reimbursement i.e. meals, taxi airport transfers.
Agencies are encouraged to share the cost of fl ights and accommodation if a coach is meeting with other executives. Please note that it is your responsibility to make contact with the coach, and that the cost of all communications will be borne by your agency.
When will I be invoiced?
The service provider will forward the invoice directly to your agency for payment.
Structured Coaching:
An invoice for the total amount of 12 hours coaching will be issued after the initial face-to-face meeting. Executive coaches are to attach a breakdown of costings and provide receipts (e.g. accommodation, taxis, air-fares) when submitting invoices for payment.
Situational Coaching:
Invoices will be generated at the agreed conclusion of the coaching relationship.
How can I prepare to achieve the maximum output from the coaching relationship?
Some optional enhancement tools are provided in your briefing pack.
What happens if the coaching relationship does not work out?
Occasionally, despite best efforts, a coaching pairing does not meet the expectations of one or other involved. There are a number of issues which should be considered here:
- Did you identify the correct learning needs at commencement?
- Is the coach working with you to address the learning needs?
- Have your personal or professional circumstances changed which may be impacting on the coaching relationship?
If you wish to continue but with a new coach, it may be possible for the contract to be transferred to another coach within the same provider organisation. You can only utilise this transfer option once. If you do not want to continue with the coaching arrangement, it may be possible for a refund to be provided (this depends on the service providers policy).
Evaluation - Executives role:
You will be required to complete an evaluation form. Methodologies, tools and innovative strategies which have been applied during the coaching relationship should be captured.
Evaluation - Agencies role:
Participating agencies should advise OCPE of any issues or concerns which may need to be addressed with the service provider.
Evaluation - Service Providers role:
As per the Scope of Service, service providers are required to provide feedback on:
- generic issues where executives require support and guidance;
- peripheral issues which are of concern to NTPS executives; and
- methodologies, tools and innovative strategies which have been applied during the coaching relationship
This feedback will not breach individual confi dentiality and will comply with the NT Information Act. Service providers are required to provide quarterly written reports to OCPE omitting any personal identifiers.
Evaluation - OCPEs role:
OCPE will be holding a discussion every quarter with the service providers to discuss feedback from agencies and to address any issues of concern.
Who is my agency contact?
HR Directors are the agency contacts.
What are the details of the tender contract?
OCPE have established a panel contract for the provision of executive coaching services and recommends that agencies contact all service providers when seeking a suitable match to coach their executives.
- Contract No: D06-0605
- Description: All Centres – Panel Contract for the Provision of Executive Coaching Services for NTPS Executives for a Period of 24 Months
- Period: 01 October 2006 to 30 September 2008, with an option to extend for a further 12 months.