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Executive Group Coaching: Interventions Not for the Faint of Heart

Advances in Global Leadership

ISBN: 978-1-83867-075-7, eISBN: 978-1-83867-074-0

Publication date: 18 November 2019

Abstract

In the global world we live in, organizations have become progressively complex. “C” organizations have been replaced by “I” organizations, implying that we have moved from organizations permeated by a command, control, and compartmentalization orientation, to organizations distinguished by cultural signifiers such as interaction, information, and innovation. Effective teamwork will be essential to make these complex, highly diverse, increasingly virtual structures work.

Given the complexity of teamwork, this chapter discusses some of its benefits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to possible team killers. Given the darker side of teams, a group coaching intervention technique is presented to resolve this daunting challenge. Taking this approach will help the members of a team to take control of their key team functions: setting direction, creating alignment throughout the organization, and building the commitment of everyone needed to accomplish organizational objectives.

To explore this intervention technique, the notion of the clinical paradigm is introduced, meaning using a psychodynamic-systemic lens that focuses not only on what is directly observable, but also on out-of-awareness behavior. The five premises that characterize the paradigm are described. It is suggested that applying the clinical paradigm within group coaching setting helps to tease out the central interpersonal role in which executives consciously and unconsciously cast themselves. It also helps explore the complementary roles they take on in an executive role constellation, creating tipping points for change. In addition, a number of other intervention techniques are introduced that help foster change.

Keywords

Citation

Kets de Vries, M.F.R. (2019), "Executive Group Coaching: Interventions Not for the Faint of Heart", Advances in Global Leadership (Advances in Global Leadership, Vol. 12), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 153-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1535-120320190000012009

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

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