FEEDBACK FROM COHORT #1:
- While I was somewhat skeptical of the group dynamic coming in, I thought the mix of people and the ability to get to meaningful, trusting, and honest conversations so quickly was one of the most appealing and beneficial aspects of the course.
- Having a group of my peers to talk to is something I found incredibly valuable.
- Overall, this course was excellent. I really felt like the whole class was able to build relationships with each other.
OVERVIEW
The Art of Self-Coaching is a course that I launched at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2015 and taught to more than 500 MBA students over seven years. In the Spring of 2020 I also taught a public version of the course to several hundred people. I began working on the concept in 2009, when I first published a set of "Self-Coaching Guides" on a set of topics of interest to my clients, and it's been a major theme in my work for the last 15+ years.
My definition of self-coaching is simple: actively guiding our own growth and development, particularly through periods of transition. But self-coaching is not a solitary process--it's a highly social one. Self-coaching is self-directed, but other people play important roles in the process, from professional coaches like me to peers and colleagues.
And yet if you're like many of my clients, a dilemma you face is that the people who have your best interests at heart and will be candid with you may not fully understand your business. And the people who do understand your business may not be candid with you, or they may have agendas that diverge from yours. A key is learning how to develop relationships which fill this gap.
To assist in that process I now offer a virtual version of the course to cohorts of 6 CEOs. (Presidents and C-level co-founders are also eligible to participate.) The course consists of six 90-minute class sessions with the full group, as well three 1:1 meetings with me--a pre-course orientation and two coaching sessions to be held during the course. Class sessions will consist of a brief lecture, an extensive 1:1 conversation with a partner, and a full-group discussion. The goals of the course are as follows:
- Provide an introduction to coaching skills and get practice on both sides of coaching conversations.
- Explore a set of readings on six topics of critical importance to senior leaders.
- Get to know five fellow CEOs in the process. (You'll have one-on-one conversations with every other member of the group during the course.)
2025 Schedule: Class sessions are 90 minutes in length. A 30-minute orientation will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time before the first class sessions. Two 60-minute coaching sessions will be scheduled at mutually convenient times during the course. If you're unable to attend any of this year's cohorts, please complete the application and indicate your interest in future cohorts.
- #2: Jan 29-Mar 5, Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am Pacific (Full)
- #3: Mar 19-Apr 23, Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am Pacific (Full)
- #4: May 7-Jun 11, Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am Pacific (1 spot remaining)
- #5: Jul 23-Aug 27, Wednesdays 4:00-5:30pm Pacific (3 spots remaining, reserved for leaders in Australia & New Zealand)
- #6: Sep 11-Oct 16,Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am Pacific (5 spots remaining)
- #7: Oct 15-Nov 19, Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am Pacific
Fee: $5,500
Application: The course involves one-on-one conversations between participants as well as full group discussions, so I'll form cohorts of 6 leaders whose professional and life experiences will enable them to work together effectively as partners and as a team. If you're interested in participating, please share some information about yourself:
If I'm unable to accommodate you in the current cohort, I'll keep you informed as I schedule others in the future.
COURSE SESSIONS AND READINGS
Preparation: Principles and Tools
- Self-Coaching is SOCIAL
- What I mean by "self-coaching" and why it's an interpersonal experience.
- How Great Coaches Ask, Listen, and Empathize
- Connect, Reflect, Direct...Then Ask (On Coaching)
- Guides to coaching as a toolkit and methodology.
- Better Conditions for Working Remotely
- Guidelines for Better Virtual Events
- Tips on setting up your workspace for an optimal experience and norms for class sessions.
- The Value of Journal Writing
- Written work isn't required, but it's an optional way to get even more out of the course.
- Why Change Is Hard
- Building Blocks (A Tactical Approach to Change)
- The course may prompt an interest in pursuing change, ranging from new habits to new priorities in life.
Session 1: Attention
Session 2: Emotion
Session 3: Happiness
Session 4: Resilience
Session 5: Unhappiness
Session 6: Success
Photo by Seth Anderson.
