Wealth of Wisdom

CHAPTER 35Assessing Your Readiness for a (Family Enterprise) Leadership Coach

Greg McCann

Some of the most well-respected and successful business leaders have help from a coach behind the scenes. Taking on a leadership role formally or informally within your family or family enterprise is exponentially challenging given the complexity of family relationships, history, and systemic dynamics. Are you ready, willing, and able to engage a leadership coach?

In my experience, coaching is perhaps the best way to accelerate your development as a leader. These reflective questions will help you understand what coaching is (and isn't), what to expect from coaching, and the proper mindset for working with a coach.

Definitely Yes	Maybe	Not Sure	Maybe Not	Definitely No
1	Are you currently a leader or striving to become one?	1	2	3	4	5
	It sounds simplistic, but nonetheless true. If you want to know if you are leading, see if anyone is following you. Leadership is not a title or a position but rather an ability to set a vision, gain alignment or buy-in from key people, and commit resources. You can lead in your family, its enterprises, its philanthropy, or anywhere in your life. “Do you want to lead?” is the question.
2	Do you want a safe, neutral place to process ideas, challenges, and opportunities?	1	2	3	4	5
	This is a precious resource. Especially in the overlapping, complex, and interdependent roles of a family enterprise, it is as difficult as it is valuable to have someone ...