S C Executive Coaching. Sylvana Caloni, Executive Coach

“Sylvana acted as a sounding board for my ideas and then helped me to come to the conclusions that best suited my needs. Her solid business background, and her fresh pair of eyes, helped me to better structure the services I deliver to my clients and the results I achieve for my business”

Business Owner, Marketing and Communications Consultancy

“The relaxed and informal sessions enabled me to recognise my strengths and erase negative attitudes that had repressed me in the past. Sylvana is a very sensitive and positive woman with oceans of expertise in her field”

Manager, Charity Stores

“I have found coaching to be an invaluable tool in helping me to isolate my strengths and motivations. Sylvana has an ability to help me look at my approach with a fresh perspective. Sylvana's suggested exercises, while very simple, were extremely enlightening helping to break down issues and obstacles that at first seem insurmountable into more manageable pieces.”

Equity Desk, European Investment Bank

Questions

Isn't Executive Coaching just some “new age fad”?

Coaching is becoming mainstream and is now included in MBA programmes for high flyers. The Sunday Times 30 April 2006. No surprise when research has found that coaching had resulted in a nearly sixfold return on investment. The Manchester Review, 2001, volume 6, number 1

Isn't the true test of executives to let them sink or swim?

If they sink it is a very costly exercise resulting in demoralised staff, loss of productivity, decreasing competitiveness and falling share price. In addition there are the costs of outplacement and search.

Surely the need for coaching is a sign of weak leaders who can’t do it on their own?

In the sporting arena champions engage coaches to assist them go the extra mile. Why should the corporate arena be any different? A person of confidence has the courage to be open. True leaders demonstrate strength by engaging a coach who is unconstrained by office politics and able to give them honest, constructive feedback and challenge.

Doesn’t coaching set up a dependency; the executive won’t be able to make a decision for him/herself?

When you were learning to ride you probably had trainer wheels or a helping hand to steady your bike. You no longer need that steadying hand or trainer wheels. A talented coach empowers you so that you discover the answers.

Can't I just read a book or attend a training course?

Absolutely. There are many great trainers and writers. However, if you value accelerated learning and are not prepared to sit through courses that are geared to the lowest common denominator you’ll require a programme that is tailor made to your specific needs and pace of learning.