Program Objectives

This program teaches participants to be an effective executive coach. Working with published experts, you will master the six-phase "Sherpa" coaching process and learn the skills and techniques necessary to enable others to achieve professional success. According to Marshall Goldsmith, "The Sherpa process lets people learn the difficult art of coaching, and gives them the freedom to apply it in their own way."

Who Should Attend?

This program is appropriate for HR line and staff professionals or others responsible for developmental coaching in both public and private organizations.

Program Benefits

Executive Coaching Certification will make you far more effective as a leader and facilitator in this new and growing field, and gives you the prestige and credibility of a university-endorsed certification. You will learn:

• How to facilitate improved business behavior in others
• How to evaluate and attain your full potential and the potential of your clients
• Effective communications for developing increased individual and team productivity
• Mastery of the Sherpa coaching process, the “operating system” for contemporary coaching

Program Content

The Sherpa process involves six phases, with comprehensive exercises, assessments, tools, and activities associated with each phase. The authors/instructors share their own case studies and experiences, adding depth to content.

Phase I: Taking Stock

• Process Overview
• Self Discovery
• Agreement

Phase II: Global View

• Support Mountain
• Perception
• Values
• Change Management
• Who am I?

Phase III: Destination

• Logistics
• Weakness Mountain
• Expectation Mountain

Phase IV: Charting the Course

• Relational Route
• Organizational Route
• Goal Setting

Phase V: Agenda

• Commitment
• Accountability - Attitude
• Browsing the Journal
• Long Term Outlook

Phase VI: The Summit

• Support
• Follow-up

Putting Theory into Practice

The program's two-week, time-phased format allows for immediate practice of skills learned. In between the first and second program sessions, participants will return home and use their new skills to work with a practicum coaching client. They will also receive weekly phone support from a Sherpa support specialist as the practicum experience unfolds.

What is a Sherpa Coach?

The model for the Sherpa executive coach is the Himalayan guide. Of all mountain escorts, Sherpas are the most knowledgeable. They help climbers choose a course and reach the summit. In the same way, Sherpa executive coaches advise, provide tools, and share knowledge of the best path for their clients to follow.

Faculty Leaders

The Executive Coaching Certification program is taught by Brenda Corbett and Judith Colemon, the co-authors of The Sherpa Guide: Process-Driven Executive Coaching. This is a book packed with actionable items—tips and techniques for the coach to use with any client. A signed copy is included with the program fee. The book sets the standard for "how to coach" books, and for the field of coaching itself. Marshall Goldsmith agrees, "Corbett and Colemon are the next generation of world leaders in coaching."

Brenda Corbett
Judith Colemon

For more information contact:

Penn State Executive Programs
Smeal College of Business
The Pennsylvania State University
382 Business Building
University Park, PA 16802-3603

Phone: 814-865-3435
Fax: 814-865-3372
On the Web: http://www.smeal.psu.edu/psep/index.html
Email: psep@psu.edu