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Coaching@Cornell

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Leadership Coaching at Cornell

Also check out Team Coaching for groups!

What is coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires a person to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.

Coaching is one of the most effective tools available to take leadership development to a deeper and more sustainable level — whether focused on the individual or on your entire organization. It creates self-awareness, provides critical challenge and support, and is designed to enhance leadership skills.

All of our internally offered high-impact coaching sessions are offered at no cost to the coachee or their department. Coaching sessions, usually four to six months in duration and meeting every three weeks, can be delivered virtually, via phone, or in-person, allowing for unparalleled flexibility to meet your needs.

About Coaching@Cornell

At the heart of our coaching program is a commitment to excellence and meaningful impact. Each of our coaches has completed an extensive 60-hour International Coaching Federation (ICF)-accredited training program, equipping them with the tools and expertise to support coachees in achieving their goals. With experience in 3 to 5 coaching engagements per year, our coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to every partnership.

Our coaching program delivers measurable results that speak for themselves:

  • 92% of coachees reported becoming more effective in their jobs.
  • 100% felt coaching was a valuable use of their time.
  • 94% made significant progress toward their coaching goals.
  • 96% experienced an improvement in overall well-being.
  • 100% would recommend coaching as a powerful development tool.

Whether you’re seeking to grow professionally or enhance personal effectiveness, our coaching program is available to all employees and offers a path to success. By fostering a culture of coaching, Cornell is enhancing the effectiveness of individuals and teams—including staff, faculty, people leaders, and senior leaders—to align with and achieve organizational goals.

How Coaching@Cornell Works

The coach will engage the individual being coached, hereafter referred to as the coachee, by asking questions that encourage the coachee to reflect, explore strategies, and leverage their strengths to unlock greater success and effectiveness. In addition to asking questions, the coach will share insights and provide feedback to foster learning, growth, and the development of long-term strategies, capabilities, problem-solving, and processing skills. Ultimately, this approach is designed to empower the coachee to self-coach and independently discover solutions.

The Coaching Process

After you select a coach, they will reach out to schedule your first session. During this session, you will:

  • Get to know one another 
  • Discuss the role of a sponsor 
  • Review the coaching agreement 
  • Share your desired learning outcomes 
  • Determine whether there’s a good fit 
  • If so, schedule future coaching sessions 

Ready to get started?

Please complete this Coaching Request form and select one of our internal Cornell coaches.

Coaching Request

Form instructions

  • In the form, briefly describe your desired learning outcomes for the coaching engagement.
  • In alignment with International Coaching Federation (ICF) guidelines and to avoid potential conflicts of interest, please select a coach with whom you have no current affiliation and no direct working relationship.
  • After submitting your request, you will receive a response indicating whether the coach has accepted or declined your request.
    • If accepted, the coach will follow up with you regarding next steps.
    • If declined, please return to this page to select another coach.
  • If you have any questions, please contact Radhika Nayak.

Make the Right Choice

What's the difference between coaching, mentoring, and career consulting?

Coaching

Helps you uncover your own answers and move forward through guided reflection and inquiry.

Examples: 

  • I want to build confidence and clarity, so I feel ready to take on a new project or apply for a higher-level role. 
  • I’d like to strengthen my leadership skills and become a more effective people leader. 
  • I want to improve how I respond to change and/or lead my team through change initiatives. 
  • I’m looking to deepen my self-awareness, understand how I show up under pressure, build executive presence, and identify blind spots. 

Mentoring

Provides advice and guidance based on someone’s knowledge and lived experience.

Examples: 

  • I’ve started a new role and want a mentor to help me grow and succeed. 
  • I’m pivoting careers and would value guidance from someone in my target field. 
  • I’m in a leadership role and want ongoing advice to become more effective. 

Career Consulting

Offers expert recommendations and actionable strategies to achieve specific career goals.

Examples: 

  • I want to clarify my long-term career goals and identify next steps for growth and advancement. 
  • I’m exploring a career pivot and want help understanding my options. 
  • I’m applying for a new role and need support reviewing my resume and cover letter.