What is Stakeholder Centered Coaching?

 

Stakeholder Centered Coaching (SCC) is a practice based on the principles and methods of Marshall Goldsmith, a world authority in helping successful leaders get even better—by achieving positive, lasting change in behavior: for themselves, their people, and their teams. As the business world grows more complex with evolving technology and global initiatives, the role of a leader also increases in complexity, making it more difficult to efficiently and effectively dedicate time to self-development. SCC is a simple methodology that is neither time-consuming nor difficult to understand. It is based on years of working with successful leaders who were willing to do what it takes to become even better in the future. Without question, anyone who follows the Stakeholder Centered Process will improve in their leadership.

In its simplest form, the SCC approach is grounded in the understanding that we are all successful both because of ourselves and in spite of certain behavioral tendencies. A recurring theme is that we are successful due to specific beliefs—and in spite of those same beliefs. Consider, for example, one natural belief of successful people: I am successful. In other words, they have a high degree of self-confidence. This self-confidence can be beneficial—it gives you the courage to apply your abilities and strengths—yet it may also make it difficult to accept feedback that contradicts your self-image. A CEO of one Fortune 100 company (who has experienced both high praise and criticism) put it this way:

“Success can lead to arrogance. When we become arrogant, we quit listening. When we quit listening, we stop changing. In today’s rapidly moving world, if we quit changing, we will ultimately fail.”

Armed with this insight, clients engage in a 7-step process that delivers dramatic results in leadership development. To succeed, one must follow a disciplined practice. While this process is simple to understand, it can be challenging to execute. Nonetheless, this disciplined practice offers value to anyone seeking positive, long-term improvement in their leadership behavior.

 

What are the beliefs and principles that underlie SCC?

 

Our approach is designed to modify behaviors by leveraging the strengths of successful people’s beliefs while overcoming the limiting aspects that can hinder development. The SCC methodology combines these beliefs with three core principles. With this foundation and through skilled coaching, we tailor a developmental process for each individual—maximizing the strengths of their beliefs and addressing the parts that impede growth.

 

How does the process work?

 

SCC is not theoretical—it is action-oriented. Success in this process does not require large time commitments. In fact, the methodology is highly time-efficient.

In a typical engagement, the leader and coach collaborate to identify the behavior that will have the greatest impact on the leader’s development and select the appropriate stakeholders to begin the process. Once underway, the coach and leader agree on a meeting frequency—often as little as once per month. The leader then checks in with stakeholders monthly, in brief 2–5 minute conversations. There are two progress checkpoints during the engagement, during which stakeholders complete a mini-survey providing anonymous feedback on the leader’s improvement in the targeted behavior.

Our experience shows that this process must be practiced rigorously for at least six months to ensure that change is deeply rooted and sustainable. While six months is a realistic minimum, modifying certain behaviors may take longer. The true value emerges when the process itself becomes a habit. Truly successful leaders commit to continual growth. The greatest gift this process offers is when it becomes a lifelong discipline.

 

How is this method different from other coaching methodologies?

 

The core principles of SCC—focus on stakeholders, emphasis on future outcomes, and synchronized behavior/perception change—set it apart from other methodologies. A key and often counterintuitive feature is involving stakeholders directly. These individuals become the leader’s real coaches, as they are best positioned to assess behavior changes in real-world interactions. The coach’s role shifts to that of an orchestrator, motivator, and integrator.

This transparent process showcases the leader’s personal commitment to growth—two elements that are essential for lasting change recognized by the leader, their team, and the broader organization.

Unlike many coaching models that focus heavily on feedback, SCC emphasizes FeedForward—a simple, forward-looking technique centered on future suggestions rather than past critiques. A major aspect of leadership improvement is changing how stakeholders perceive a given behavior. People rarely abandon their prior beliefs without evidence of change.

Lasting change occurs when a leader not only improves in a targeted behavior but is also recognized and supported by stakeholders for doing so. The SCC method provides a structure and path to achieve this, often inspiring others in the organization to adopt the 7-step process in their own professional interactions.

 

Can you do this without a coach?

 

Yes, you can begin this journey on your own and may see results. However, working with a coach offers several advantages that increase your likelihood of success and shorten the time needed to achieve measurable improvement.

A coach brings an external perspective that might not be visible within your organization. They offer a customized program that helps you focus on the most impactful activities. Coaches also bring deep expertise and proven strategies for achieving lasting behavioral change.

Our team combines years of practical experience with developmental insight. We are trained in multiple leadership development methodologies and skilled at maximizing each engagement. Drawing from diverse backgrounds in academia, engineering, operations, and manufacturing, we offer practical examples and direction that produce clear, actionable results.

Let us help you unlock your full leadership potential.