An Industry First: Four-Dimensional (4D) Coaching!

Men and women with valuable knowledge and skills frequently get stuck in their roles and become less effective.  The reasons—and the corresponding coaching services—fall roughly into four categories:  decision making, development, derailment (remediation), and dialogue (relationship building).

1. Sometimes an executive needs assistance from an objective outsider in thinking issues through, whether organizational or personal decision making.

2. Often, managers know that something needs to change for them to move forward in their careers, but they need help broadening perspectives, addressing deficits, and closing effectiveness gaps.

3. Occasionally, managers exhibit counterproductive behaviors in their interpersonal relationships, ethics, or limits and may be unaware of the impacts of these behaviors or unclear how to change them.

4. Sometimes a manager needs help in relationship building at work or outside of work (e.g., personal or family relationships).  

These scenarios often lend themselves to an objective, outside perspective.

The Process

Executive 4D coaching at The Levinson Institute is highly individualized; it is different for each client.  But 4D coaching always includes the following elements:

1. Clarifying the issues to be addressed by the person requesting the coaching (if not the client) and the client;

2. Understanding the context, history and impact of the issues;

3. Developing plans with specific goals and timetables and
   confirming them with all appropriate parties;

4. Coaching, which focuses on clarifying and changing intentions and behaviors and continual feedback;

5. Training about leadership, communication, and accountabilities;

6. Soliciting feedback about the individual's progress; and

7. Reconnecting the client with his or her own manager at the end of the coaching period.

How does 4D coaching work?

Initially, a Levinson Institute consultant meets with the client over a period of several days for 15 to 20 hours.  After collecting feedback from the individuals' manager, colleagues, and subordinates, it is established what information can and will be shared and what cannot.  The consultant and client then schedule meetings weekly, monthly, or less frequently, over a defined period, depending on the issues, location of the client, and the prearranged contract.  

The Levinson consultant remains an ongoing resource, available by phone to speak with the client and his or her manager throughout this coaching period.