Saturday, December 29, 2012

Learning The Function And Importance Of A Physician Executive Coach

By Audra Olson


Although physician executive coach is relatively new in the healthcare industry, this sub-field is starting to gain popularity in the recent years. In fact, a study concluded that a third of healthcare executives had used or are still using executive coach to boost their professional performance. A large part of this success may be attributed to the fact that this provides sound return of investment.

In the most basic sense, the coaching process is based on established techniques in diagnosing and reinforcing behaviors. The participant works with a specialist who serves as his objective guide and sounding-board. The setup is similar to that of a conscience, only this time it is more focused on whether the move is beneficial or detrimental to his professional career.

The physicians are reputed to strictly follow standardized structures for their practice. Everything they do is always based on organized regulations. Therefore, all sorts of issues, both personal and professional, may affect their services. The coaching programs are specially designed to assist the professionals for a better performance in their respective professions.

Clarifying professional goals and objectives is among the major reasons that urge a professional to undergo coaching. This profession is highly competitive and fast-paced. The practitioners might get sidestepped easily and forget the goals they initially set. Thus, they need constant reminders of their purpose and obligations to continuously provide quality services.

This also reminds them to align their values, actions and goals. The services extended to their patients are oftentimes based on their personal values. Therefore, it is imperative that they do not lose touch of what they believe in. This way, the professional will not lose focus of what is really important.

Sometimes, taking on the challenges may require additional help as well. The specialists may provide additional support when there are major issues they cannot address by themselves. The coaches can assist in problem-solving. They can provide aid that will thrust the professionals forward. This may in turn build new competencies and expand existing skills.

In rare cases, complete respite may be required. The professional may need to change some unwarranted behavior. However, that is just the start of an even more difficult demand. They may need to reinforce the changed behavior. This may be possible through constant coaching support.

The coaching program is unlike the other therapies, though. This is action-oriented based on the practitioner's line of work. Specific measurements are used to evaluate its results. It is also time-oriented and used to open a new approach in performing tasks that are beneficial to the professional performance.

Finally, the program is composed of different stages. To ensure that the program is effective, the physician executive coach determines the areas that need working on. Through the discovery phase, specific measurements, interviews and instruments are used to view the strengths and barriers. Afterward, a specified program is created according to the findings. It is then implemented on one-on-one sessions until the desired results are achieved.




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