The magic of a leadership coach

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with a leadership or executive coach, here’s your chance to hear about it from an expert. Beth B. Kennedy, MS, CLTMC, of Benatti Training and Development, is a leadership and career coach who offers professional development training to individuals in a wide array of topics. I’ve come to know Beth as one of the warmest, most enthusiastic people on earth. On top of that, she’s as good at what she does as she is nice. I’ve asked Beth to introduce us to leadership coaching. If you have questions, please leave a comment at the end of the post, and I’ll relay your message to Beth.

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by Beth B. Kennedy, MS, CLTMC
Benatti Training and Development

When in a social setting, I am often asked, “Beth – what do you do for your career?” Sometimes I wish that I had a simple answer like I’m a lawyer or I’m a teacher but the complexity of my job is what I love about my career. My clients hire me to assist them in a range of areas. Some of the questions that begin the coaching process are:

Beth Kennedy

• I am addicted to busyness.  How can I balance career, life and the constant changes?
• How can I be a better manager and develop competencies for career success and productivity?
• Can I improve my communication, conflict, and delegation skills?
• How can I increase my stress resiliency to handle the increasing career demands and to prevent burnout?
• How can I determine and develop my personal brand and enhance visibility in my organization?
• I am truly unhappy at work.  Is it possible to make a career change or enhance my present career satisfaction?
• How can I manage my team and understand them better for improved engagement, collaboration and productivity?

Yes, Yes, and Yes again!  My vision in coaching others, is to provide the necessary support so that an individual can move forward toward specific targeted goals. Most clients have neither the time nor the strategies to analyze their needs.  The Olympics is a prime example of this.  The athletes depend on the training, feedback, and support of their individual coaches.

My coaching process is unique!  I began as a career coach for the Gillette Company in South Boston and had over 15 years’ experience providing direction and guidance to employees at all levels.  While there, I received and followed feedback from a Vice President who suggested that I continue my leadership training in order to be more valuable to Gillette and other organizations.  My career journey is an example of how feedback and coaching can guide someone to a rewarding life.

I work with individuals through different stages of their careers.  I may coach them for a career change or for the transition to a new position and then, a year later, focus on their development plan, resiliency, conflict or communication strategies.  I have a partnership with my clients.  The focus is on their success in the work force, achieving their desired position and enjoying the personal life they want to lead.

I utilize diverse assessments with clients depending on the identified needs.  I use a unique application of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and I often hear the feedback, “I wish I had this assessment years ago.”  The MBTI assists an individual to understand their natural personality style.  They can then improve their communication, collaboration, and productivity.

Depending on the needs of the employer and employee, coaching may include interviews with selected colleagues or peers, leadership assessments, and either a 6-month or 12-month coaching package. One strives to do better every day, focusing on personal improvement.  To do that effectively, efficiently, and confidently, they need to identify what’s working and what needs to be changed or improved.  Sometimes it can be beneficial to have some extra support to reach those aspirations!

If leadership coaching would help your career, please learn more about Beth and Benatti Training and Development at BethKennedy.com and then contact Beth at bbk@bethkennedy.com.