CENK ELDEM
EXECUTIVE
COACHING
“Exploring new pathways and inspiring others on their journey towards excellence”
I have developed this personal purpose statement some time ago with coaching support. It accompanied me for many years as a top-executive in a large global corporation as well as in my private life. During that time I held many positions that exposed me to countless situations typical for leaders. It took time until I learned what "leadership" really meant, how to build high performing teams, how to drive change, how to deal with "sensitive topics" in the workplace all while simultaneously keeping a good balance in my personal life. I know the abundance of different feelings one undergoes when dealing with these situations from personal experience.
I seek the positive in change and embrace embarking on something new; curiosity and resilience are characteristics that describe myself best.
Through coaching, I help people in challenging situations to find solutions. Entering a coaching relationship could thus be a meaningful step in your personal advancement. Coaching is always a matter of trust and confidentiality, it is very important that you feel comfortable and safe with your coach. In order to find out let’s talk.
Executive Coaching
Nowadays expectations for leaders are high: they are supposed to reach their targets, solve conflicts, act with integrity beyond doubt, communicate benevolently while showing empathy and a solution oriented mindset. Most leaders are eager to perform, however, it often lacks a suitable person to talk to. Someone who understands their daily business, who can comprehend problems and establish a critical discussion at eye level. Executive coaching is one successful way to fill this gap. Most of my clients are already executives or about to become one. Before working as an executive coach I myself have worked at the top-management level of a large global corporation. Therefore I know the challenges managers today must solve. Core areas of my work are:
Strengthening leadership
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Thinking strategically
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Improving communication and acting
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Solving conflicts constructively
Developing high-performance teams
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Attracting and developing talents
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Valueing diversity
Self management
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Gain clarity about life goals
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Dealing with stress and improving your work-life balance
Leadership in times of continious change
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Managing ambiguity
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Managing complexity
Coaching
Coaching is a highly individualized support process for people in challenging professional and private life situations. My clients are experts in their field and know their lives best - As your coach I can offer my expertise on a method and process-level.
In the first session we get to known each other. The following coaching sessions are based on situations you have experienced. I am inviting you to share your experiences openly and honestly, so we can dive deeply into your full spectrum of thoughts and emotions. As humans, our perspectives are limited and we often cling to what we know. In my role as coach, I actively listen and ask questions; together, we unravel your individual coping strategies. By looking at your problem solving strategies, our collaboration empowers you to eventually identify alternatives. This process is shaped by my perspective as an experienced leader and the use of my methodological skills.
I am working at eye level with my clients in a confidential environment where
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Resources are (re-)activated,
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various perspectives for the topic are considered and
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sustainable solutions based on the client's interests and needs are being worked out.
I am my client's trusted sparring partner and "clarification helper". I help my clients to take ownership of their own issues at hand. In the beginning we define goals and a course of action that we revisit regularly. We check in on the developed solutions and assess their implementation and effectiveness in order to adjust them when necessary. In most cases, five to six coaching sessions are sufficient to solve a topic.
A coaching session usually takes about 90 minutes and ideally takes place in person, in the Cologne area. Nowadays, online coaching via video conference is a common alternative with which I made positive experiences.
Coaching in Motion
Movement makes us happy and helps to reduce stress. Our body releases endorphines, the blood circulation of our brain is improved and the creation of new nerve cells is supported. Our wish to lay down on our sofa when we are exhausted further enhances stress hormones to circulate in our organism. Movement, on the other hand reduces hormones that cause internal tensions.
We are taking advantage of these insights during the coaching process.
When topics are suitable (and the weather plays along) I meet my clients for a walk in the park. Our brain is better supplied with blood, oxygen supply benefits and the creation of new synapses is improved. Thereby the coaching process is supported in particular when generating new ideas and solutions.
Online Coaching
When external conditions are right, online coaching has some advantages versus classic face to face sessions. The most obvious one is the flexibility. Leaders and entrepreneurs with tight schedules can take part in a session in their familiar environment without long commute. The regularity of the sessions is secured more easily and it is possible to receive support right in time when it is needed.
The barrier to address sensitive topics is lower than face to face.
For an online session only a reliable internet connection, a computer, laptop or tablet with a camera and a good microphone are required.
However, there are limits
Even the best internet connection and the technology in use can be interrupted or even go down. Obviously, this disturbs the coaching process generally and is especially critical when a topic is being worked on intensively at that moment. In highly sensitive matters when a client is deeply diving in their array of emotions, for example within a trance, the risk of causing damage through an interruption is high. I apply such methods therefore only in face to face sessions.
Hiking and Coaching
Hiking is one of my big passions. Hiking helps me to "clear my head". The minimalistic, the reduction to essentials, being in nature with small baggage breathing clear air, the challenge of reaching the day's finish - I find all of that deeply satisfying. Most huts in the alps offer a great atmosphere but very little comfort and privacy. I am always reminded how little material goods I need to be happy.
For me, hiking is excellently suited to turn away from day-to-day topics and develop new ideas.
I offer indiviually arranged "Hiking & Coaching" tours for people who feel agitated and rushed. We are embedding a hiking experience (this could also be a one day tour) into a series of coaching sessions. Of course I adjust the tour to your individual fitness level.