Gen Y Leaders, Boomer Coach

S Smith International Journal of Coaching in Organizations 2008

Sandy Smith explores the impact of generational differences on the coaching process, offering insight into the challenges and developmental opportunities for the coach. In this paper, Smith offers insight into a new style of work environment and how a unique generation of new leaders is challenging executive coaches to re-examine their beliefs, expectations and basic coaching paradigms. Aligning with the developmental focus of this journal issue, Smith concentrates on the development of these leaders within the context of developing companies. Smith identifies the opportunities she has experienced regarding her own development that she believes may have wider applicability for coaches working in this domain.