Ayers Report:  Has coaching activity picked up with the improvement in the economy?

Caruso:  Coaching activity never quieted down, even as the economy got bad.  What happened was that it shifted focus.
 

Ayers Report:  To what?

Caruso:  As hiring freezes forced companies to make the most of what they had, we saw an upturn in remedial coaching assignments from late 2001 into ‘02—mostly for serious problems.  That was followed, into 2003, by a wave of developmental engagements focused primarily on transition/assimilation coaching for executives promoted from within.  Coaching was generally reserved for senior levels.  We also got calls from many companies that couldn’t afford salary increases or bonuses and were looking for coaches to help their managers get that message across.  What they really needed was a training program to help managers present the reality in an honest way, and we did many of those.
 

Ayers Report:  And now?

Caruso:  We’re seeing a return to the norm:  a variety of coaching assignments focused on middle as well as senior executives for a variety of reasons.