7 Things to Ask an Executive Training Firm Before You Engage 

Jul 23, 2024

Searching for the right executive leadership training firm in Calgary?

Don’t underestimate the importance of doing a vibe check first. 

Executive coaching services are a worthy investment that can significantly impact your organization’s success. That is, if you’ve actually found the right coaches whose strategies align with your goals. Before engaging with a firm, it’s essential to ask the right questions. 

Here are 7 key questions you shouldn’t hesitate to ask before you decide to commit to their services:

Table of Contents | 7 Things to Ask an Executive Training Firm Before You Engage

  1. What Is Your Approach to Executive Leadership Training and Development? 
  2. What Is Your Experience Working With Companies in Our Industry?
  3. How Do You Customize Your Programs for Different Industries and Executive Levels?
  4. Can You Help Me Identify Blind Spots and Areas of Opportunity?
  5. What Are the Key Areas of Expertise and Qualifications of Your Trainers? 
  6. Can You Describe Your Most Successful Executive Leadership Training Program and Why It Succeeded?
  7. Objectives and Key Results: How Do You Measure and Report the Success of Your Executive Coaching Services? 
  8. Ask Action Edge Anything About Executive Coaching in Calgary

 

1. What Is Your Approach to Executive Leadership Training and Development?


Asking about the firm’s approach is crucial because it allows you to understand its methodology and how it can ultimately help you achieve your goals. Different coaches have varying techniques, strategies, and areas of focus—so knowing their approach will give you insight into whether their coaching process, style, and philosophy align with your needs, expectations, and goals.  

Some may focus on classroom-based learning, while others offer more hands-on, experiential training. Asking this question can help ensure you’re investing your time and resources in executive coaching services that can truly support your growth & development as a leader.


Insight Into Their Culture


Remember, it’s also important to assess how well the training firm’s vision and values align with your organization’s culture. Knowing that you see eye-to-eye will make the entire journey of leadership training in Calgary all the more comfortable and inspiring. The firm’s culture should make you feel at confident and at ease as you navigate the path toward better leadership. 


2. What Is Your Experience Working With Companies in Our Industry? 


You’ll want to choose a training firm that has experience working with companies in your particular industry. That way, you can rest assured they understand the specific challenges, opportunities, and nuances that your organization faces. 

A leadership coach who has experience working with companies in your industry will be better equipped to provide tailored guidance and program strategies that are relevant to your unique circumstances. Their industry-specific knowledge can help them anticipate potential obstacles and offer solutions that are more effective and applicable to your situation. Ultimately, this can lead to more targeted and impactful coaching sessions that yield tangible results for your business.


3. How Do You Customize Your Programs for Different Industries and Executive Levels?


Why settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when programs can tailored to be a perfect fit? 

No two organizations are exactly alike. That’s why opting for leadership training in Calgary that’s customized to your needs is the best way to go—and you shouldn’t have to settle for anything less. Each company has its unique challenges, requirements, and workplace dynamics that must be taken into account during training.

Moreover, executives at different levels within an organization have varying responsibilities and leadership styles as well. Hence, finding a firm that can tailor training programs to their specific needs and goals is essential for maximum effectiveness. 

By customizing leadership training, organizations can ensure that their leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive success in their particular work environment and level of leadership. When asking firms about leadership training in Calgary, be sure to inquire about the level of customization they are willing to provide to meet your specific needs. If it seems like a one-size-fits-all approach, you might want to consider looking elsewhere for a prospective coach.


4. Can Your Professional Coaches Help Me Identify Blind Spots and Areas of Opportunity?


The right executive leadership training programs do more than just hone your existing skills—-they’re meant to help identify potential vulnerabilities and transform them into your strengths. 

Leaders often have blind spots regarding their own behavior and how it affects others. By recognizing areas where one may be lacking or overlooking potential opportunities for improvement, individuals can take proactive steps to enhance their leadership skills. Identifying these factors can lead to greater self-awareness, which is a cornerstone of effective leadership. The right executive coach in Calgary should be able to help you broaden your perspectives and address these blind spots head on. 


5. What Are the Key Areas of Expertise and Qualifications of Your Trainers?


Key Areas of Expertise

 

Firms that offer executive coaching in Calgary often specialize in specific areas. Make sure the firm you choose has expertise in the areas that are most important to your organization.

Here’s what the various areas of specialization typically entail: 

Leadership Training in Calgary: Area of Specialization Details
Leadership Development Improving leadership skills with various leadership principles and practices.
Change Management Training on managing organizational change and maintaining engagement during transitions.
Strategic Planning Assisting in the development and execution of effective organizational strategies.
Communication Skills Enhancing various communication abilities for more effective messaging.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) Fostering self-awareness, empathy, and social skills for better leadership.
Team Building and Collaboration Creating high-performing teams and promoting teamwork and collaboration.
Conflict Resolution Providing tools for handling conflicts and reaching amicable solutions.
Performance Management Teaching techniques to measure employee performance and coach for development.
Succession Planning Preparing for leadership transitions and developing future organizational leaders.
Innovation and Creativity Cultivating an environment for creative thinking and innovation.
Diversity and Inclusion Building a culture that values diversity and leverages a diverse workforce.
Personal Productivity Enhancing time management, prioritization, and work-life balance.
Financial Acumen Developing understanding and strategic use of financial data for decision-making.
Corporate Governance Understanding the structures and practices through which companies are directed and controlled.
Crisis Management Preparing leaders to effectively navigate through crises.
Coaching and Mentoring Training executives to be effective coaches and mentors within their organization.


Qualifications of Your Executive Coach in Calgary


As you search for leadership training in Calgary, be sure to inquire about the credentials, professional background, and practical experience of the trainers who will be conducting the sessions.


6. Can You Describe Your Most Successful Executive Leadership Training Program and Why It Succeeded?


Rather than just asking, “Can you provide references from past clients?”

Go straight to the point and ask about their success stories. This question will give you insight into what factors contributed to those outcomes and give you a glimpse of their potential performance with your executives.

Another way to gauge a training firm’s effectiveness is to speak with past clients. Ask the firm for references from companies they’ve worked with in the past. Then, try to reach out to these clients to get their feedback on the firm’s services involving executive coaching in Calgary. 


7. Objectives and Key Results: How Do You Measure and Report the Success of Your Executive Coaching Services?


Just like how your organization has its own objectives and key results or OKRs, you want to make sure your executive leadership training journey is guided in a similar way. 

A reputable training firm will have an organized system in place for measuring the success of their executive training programs. Ask the firm how they track the impact of their training on participants’ performance and business outcomes. Discuss the metrics and tools they use to evaluate the success of their training programs and how this information is communicated with clients. . 

If possible, request information on measurable results and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of their training programs for past clients. A firm that’s confident in their services will gladly present these types of valuable data to you. 


Ask Action Edge Anything About Executive Coaching in Calgary 


By asking these 7 essential questions before engaging with an executive training firm, you can ensure that you’re making an informed decision that will positively impact your organization. 

At Action Edge, our leadership development resources & programs support both  personal and professional growth. From rookies to seasoned executives, we prioritize excellence and dedication while developing leaders at all levels. Our guidance will fuel you forward in your journey toward excellent leadership.

Fulfill your role flawlessly, inspire your team, and drive success within your organization. We’re here to answer all your questions. Talk to us today to get started with leadership training in Calgary.   

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Action Edge Coaches
Action Edge Coaching is a team of experienced coaches dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to reach their full potential. With a focus on personal development, leadership, and strategic growth, our coaches provide transformative guidance and support. We believe in taking bold actions and pushing the boundaries to unlock success. Connect with us to ignite your journey of growth and achieve remarkable results.
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