Executive Coaching equips court leaders with new leadership tools
September 6, 2023 -- It’s no secret that the past few years have challenged court executives to rise to the occasion. New and evolving needs have required leaders to reassess their own strengths and weaknesses to become stronger advocates for the judges, staff and public they serve.
Through one of NCSC’s newest consulting services, Executive Coaching, individuals, pairs, and teams can obtain tools, insights, and skills necessary to excel in their roles and lead their organizations.
“The pressures of leadership can lead to high stress and burnout which then leads to a high level of turnover in the courts,” said NCSC managing director and executive coach Kristen Trebil-Halbersma. “Executive coaching can help leaders manage stress, become more effective in their roles, and help them prioritize both their own well-being and the well-being of others around them. This leads to a more collaborative, productive, and supportive working environment. In environments where individuals feel more supported and valued, there tends to be less turnover.”
Coaching sessions vary in structure based on the needs of the individual, pair, or team and can be conducted in-person or virtually. During a typical session, which lasts about an hour, a coach aims to create a collaborative partnership with the participant by providing guidance, feedback, tools, and strategies that empower them to become more effective leaders and achieve both their personal and professional goals.
In contrast to mentoring, coaching focuses on helping participants discover their own solutions through self-reflection and exploration. Mentoring involves sharing knowledge, experience, and advice from mentor to mentee.
Trebil-Halbersma said sessions are confidential and designed for both new and experienced leaders. In the case of an experienced leader, they can gain fresh perspective, refine their leadership style, and address blind spots.
One recent participant said coaching helped them manage their mindset about workplace challenges.
“I also developed more robust procedures for organizing my workflow. Since coaching helped me be the one to come up with the solutions, I feel confident in my ability to implement them,” the participant noted.
Another participant shared some initial apprehension about coaching that disappeared once they discovered their coach’s friendly demeanor.
“I immediately felt comfortable sharing my management concerns and discussing ways to improve my leadership skills,” the participant said. “My coach was very knowledgeable about effective leadership styles and was willing to take the time to give helpful suggestions on ways to grow and improve as a court manager. I felt she was focused on me and my individual circumstances. She met me where I was at and encouraged my development with helpful suggestions and resources.”
To learn more about NCSC’s Executive Coaching, meet our coaches, and get started on your journey, visit ncsc.org/executivecoaching.