Sheerline Associates

5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 the space and safety to think out loud, play back difficult situations, and clarify challenges. Sabia elaborates, “I’m engaging with senior leaders who have no one else in their peer group to have these in-depth discussions with, and they know they can trust me.” Rather than providing answers, the coach helps the leader to deeply understand what is challenging about a situation and to come up with the right answer themselves. Coaching engagements with SheerLine typically last around six months, and meetings occur every two weeks. The process begins with formal 360 feedback to gain insights into how other parties perceive them as a leader. Individuals who are asked for this feedback include the client’s manager (or Board leader), peers, direct reports, and sometimes customers or Board members. Once these insights have been gained, the client plans their development goals with the assistance of SheerLine. The goal can be thematic, like leading more strategically or collaboratively. Then more measurable objectives are set to support the aspirational goal. The client determines the agenda at each coaching session. Sometimes the topic is crystal clear at the outset of the meeting, but most times the leader just starts by talking out loud and uncovering what’s most important to focus on during the session. The coach never gives direct answers to situations, as that is not the coach’s role. But what is within the coach’s scope is to ask questions, reflect back what they are hearing, and make observations about what the client is sharing. During these in-depth discussions, the client will gain awareness of what’s holding them back from their goals and work out how to move forward. These conversations will dig deeper into the issues before moving forward to take action. Coaching is a collaborative partnership where the leader feels safe enough to share and face challenges and vulnerabilities. Once issues are surfaced and understood, it is much easier to get clarity about what to do. SheerLine Associate’s clients span many organizations including those in high tech,