One of the most complex business situations for any executive to navigate is a merger or acquisition. So, why do so many senior executives attempt to find the right course without a "guide" in the form of a professional executive coach?
Provide an independent perspective. At the most basic level, the success of a merger or acquisition depends on successfully combining the best of two or more corporate cultures. A coach can provide an independent and neutral perspective, which may otherwise be missing in the heat of negotiations and the challenges of subsequent integration. Without a vested interest in the outcome, a coach can help an executive remain respectful of both cultures and make decisions about how to retain the best elements from each. Similarly, a good coach can also serve as a confidential resource for bouncing off ideas, especially in situations that may be highly politically charged.
Assist in building a common vision and values. On a strategic level, a coach can help key executives map out what they want the new organization to look like. In an ideal situation, the coach will work with both parties' key executives in one-on-one sessions or small groups to probe questions such as "what are the best values of each?", "what should the new organization look like?" and "what will success look like?". In this fashion, differences of opinion can be reconciled in a less public fashion, prior to, or in conjunction with, larger group sessions.
Offer insights on how their personal style is impacting the merger. A skilled coach will provide feedback on management and communication styles and their impact on the success of the new combined organization. It can be difficult to remain open to other ideas in these situations so a good coach can examine the executive's intentions and agenda to best understand what outcomes they desire and how they want to be perceived.
Help sort through priorities. On a more tactical level, a coach can be invaluable in assisting an executive in mapping out his/her goals and daily action items as they relate to the overall integration process. Those with experience in Mergers & Acquisitions talk about the extreme challenges they pose in terms of endless shifting priorities, constant deadlines and unforeseen roadblocks requiring almost superhuman energy and adrenaline. A good coach can serve as a sounding board to help break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones while still keeping the end goal in sight.
These are just a few of the more common ways in which a skilled professional coach can provide guidance. The key to finding the right coach is to hire someone who has experience in several Mergers & Acquisitions situations. When combining two companies, the value of hiring a guide who has already navigated these often choppy waters can be a lifesaver.