CI Partners with Anchor Planning Group to offer Executive Coaching to Newly Placed C-Suite Officers

40 percent of leaders fail within their first 18 months, costing companies $1.2 billion in lost productivity annually
Fredericksburg, VA, September 19, 2011--Officials at Anchor Planning Group, an executive search, human resources and management consultancy, announced today that they have formed a partnership with CI International, a leading provider of executive coaching. The new concept simply combines executive search with executive coaching. “The two worlds should be inseparable when it comes to successful leadership. We now can enhance the selection process by assisting the new leader in a successful transition to the new organization," said Bert W. Lazar, senior partner for Anchor Planning Group.
Study Shows Return on Investment in Coaching
Fortune Magazine reports that Metropolitan Life Financial Services put part of its retail sales force through an intensive coaching program, and afterward found that productivity among those salespeople increased by an average of 35%, while 78% of the sales reps embarked on the pursuit of a new license or professional designation, and 50% identified new markets to develop. Perhaps most important, Metropolitan has retained all of the salespeople who had the coaching--a big deal, since industry statistics show that each rep who leaves a company with three years' experience costs $140,000 to replace. In all, the program, which cost about $620,000, delivered $3.2 million in measurable gains.
A study published by the Society of Human Resources found that 50 percent of performance at the senior leadership level is determined not by one’s experience or technical abilities but by leadership characteristics. The executive coaching component will aid the new, highly competent individual in quickly adapting to and leading well in the new culture. “This new service further develops Anchor’s philosophy that recruiting goes beyond simply attracting and hiring a new candidate,” said Jeffrey A. Wade, president and chief executive officer for Anchor. “The intangible costs prior to the on-boarding, including the disruption of organizational dynamics, absence of decision–making and planning, and turmoil in the workflow process in general can have an even greater economic effect than the upfront cost of a search. All of these factors can result in low or poor employee engagement as well,” explained Wade.
“Leaders in the 21st century need to quickly learn new skills to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing environments,” said Robb Heaton, executive vice president for CI International. “Once an organization has found the right person they expect them to hit the ground running. Through our proven executive coaching model we will help leaders navigate the transition period flawlessly, adapting well to the new challenges and culture. We are delighted to be partnering with Anchor to help aide organizations in increasing the retention rate among their leaders,” explained Heaton.
Some new hires simply have trouble performing the “flying trapeze act.” They’ve successfully mastered lower-level positions in their career and are ready to reach out and grab the higher bar in their new, more challenging role, but they have trouble getting a firm grip. “Anchor’s new solution was designed to help the new leader identify which behaviors are and are not serving them, what the employees are experiencing, and how to stay fully engaged and productive,” said Lazar.

About Anchor Planning Group
Anchor Planning Group is an executive search and human resources consultancy offering a unique flat-fee pricing model. Challenging the status quo with their model, the firm offers 360 reference checks, in-depth assessments and a one-year guarantee on all placements. With decades of combined HR experience, Anchor is committed to diversity and to sourcing the best talent. For more information, visit www.anchorplanninggroup.com.
About CI International
CI International is a training and professional development firm that offers consulting, workshops, and coaching solutions to fuel exceptional performance throughout organizations. Our work is focused on creating sustainable change in individuals, teams, and entire organizations, primarily in the government workplace. Founded on the idea that greatness exists in all of us, helping our clients realize greatness is central to our vision and inherent in our values. Throughout our history our work has been focused on helping our clients. For more information, please visit the company website at www.CIinternational.com.