While leading a four month long leadership program at Denver University for business executives I was the coach for, Tom, one of the participants. Tom was a 12 year executive in an oil services firm.

During our first coaching session he told me that he would do anything to overcome his fear and ineptness in speaking before groups. (Being coached is not for the faint of heart......admissions like this and taking action to improve performance are necessary for growth) Tom agreed to challenge himself by using every opportunity to speak to the group. I would observe Tom and coach him on his group communications.

That first week Tom learned of several things he did while speaking before groups. He muttered, spoke too fast, ran words together, didn't listen to questions from the audience, and seemed to show little interest in promoting his ideas in front of the group. He had plenty of things to work on.

Once Tom became aware of his behaviors and how they affected his audience he accepted responsibility for improving. We discussed and brainstormed ideas about how he would try to improve in each area. An action plan was designed which allowed him to take small steps toward improving his presentation skills. Support and refinement of his action plan took place during frequent phone coaching sessions while he was back home.

When he returned to Denver four weeks later, the improvement was apparent from the first day of the week long session. His presentations were focused and filled with energy. Other participants in the program not only noticed the improvement but waited with anticipation for his next chance to speak. He had overcome his fear.

A few months later Tom received a promotion to Corporate Director of Training for his corporation.

Tom made it happen. What I did as Tom's coach was to help him become aware of his current reality, explore his future possibilities and support him in taking the necessary steps to his success.