How It Works
How Executive Coaching Works at New Path
A transparent explanation of what an engagement looks like from first conversation to final assessment.
What to Expect
Executive coaching at New Path is a structured, confidential, and outcome-focused process. It is not open-ended conversation. It is a defined engagement with clear goals, regular sessions, and measurable outcomes.
Every engagement is customized to the specific leader, their organizational context, and their development goals. But the structure — discovery, assessment, goal-setting, coaching, stakeholder integration, and measurement — is consistent across engagements.
The Engagement Process
Discovery Conversation
The engagement begins with a confidential conversation between the coach and the prospective client. This is not a sales call. It is a genuine exploration of the leader's situation, goals, and whether New Path is the right fit. There is no obligation.
- No cost, no obligation
- Typically 45 to 60 minutes
- Conducted by Corinne Mason or a senior New Path coach
- Confidential — nothing discussed is shared without explicit permission
Assessment
Once an engagement is confirmed, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of the leader's current state. This provides the baseline against which progress will be measured and informs the specific focus of the coaching.
- 360-degree feedback from direct reports, peers, and supervisors
- Leadership style and behavioral assessments
- Stakeholder interviews where appropriate
- Review of prior assessment data if available
Goal Setting and Coaching Charter
Assessment findings are reviewed with the leader and, where appropriate, with the sponsoring organization. Together, we develop a coaching charter — a written document that defines the specific development goals, success measures, and engagement structure.
- Specific, measurable development goals
- Agreed success criteria
- Engagement duration and session frequency
- Stakeholder involvement and communication protocols
Coaching Sessions
Regular one-on-one coaching sessions form the core of the engagement. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes, conducted bi-weekly, in person or via video.
- Bi-weekly sessions, typically 60 to 90 minutes
- In person in Austin or via secure video
- Between-session assignments and reflection exercises
- Real-world application of new behaviors with structured reflection
Stakeholder Involvement
Effective executive coaching does not happen in isolation. We work with sponsors, HR partners, and — with the leader's permission — key stakeholders to ensure the coaching is connected to the organizational context.
- Periodic check-ins with the sponsoring executive or HR partner
- Mid-engagement stakeholder feedback where appropriate
- Organizational context updates as the business evolves
- All stakeholder communication is agreed in advance with the leader
Measurement and Closure
Every engagement ends with a formal reassessment against the original goals. This produces a clear picture of what changed, what the leader achieved, and what development priorities remain.
- Formal reassessment using original instruments
- Written summary of outcomes and progress
- Transition planning to sustain development beyond the engagement
- Optional: stakeholder debrief on outcomes
Confidentiality
Coaching conversations are confidential. What a leader shares with their coach is not reported to their organization, their board, or their HR partner without explicit permission.
When an organization is sponsoring a coaching engagement, we agree in advance on what information will be shared — typically progress against goals, not the content of coaching conversations. This agreement is documented in the coaching charter.
Confidentiality is not just a policy. It is the foundation of an effective coaching relationship. Without it, leaders cannot be fully candid — and coaching without candor is not coaching.
Duration and Investment
Most executive coaching engagements at New Path run six to twelve months. Shorter engagements are appropriate for specific, bounded development goals. Longer engagements are appropriate for leaders navigating complex, multi-year transitions.
Investment varies based on engagement scope, duration, and the specific services included. We discuss investment transparently in the discovery conversation.
Ready to Learn More?
Start with a confidential discovery conversation. No obligation, no sales process.