A serious potential snag for new executives involves adapting to the style of a new workplace. Coaching on Softer Skills One of the chief reasons top executives flounder appears to be that they fail to build good partnerships and teamwork with their peers, subordinates and superiors. They may be too inflexible, set in the way they did things before, especially if they come from the outside. There is hope, however, for those whose social skills aren't up to snuff. The study also found that new executives who received coaching and training were three times more likely to succeed than their counterparts who didn't.
Coaches can come from inside or outside of the company.
Internal coaches should come from HR, not from the executive ranks, advises Mr. Shupert, who serves as internal coach for the Learning Company's top executives. Other HR professionals find it preferable to beef up their internal coaching efforts with outside experts. Many agree with Advanta's Mr. Alter that the investment is worth the results. To Mr. Alter, an outside perspective is virtually essential during the transition phase. Internal coaches can be helpful, but it's a more difficult role.