Singers, dancers and elite athletes all have coaches. These professions require consistent support, and it would be unimaginable to expect them to do it on their own.
The business world is exactly the same. Professionals are subjected to an equally demanding and competitive environment, and having to lead people in such a complex global marketplace, can be a challenge. Executive coaching is a form of investing in your success and is often seen as a necessity.
What is Executive Coaching?
An executive coach is a qualified individual that works with high-potential employees, executives and other professionals to help them unlock their potential. This is achieved by creating self-awareness, defining goals, developing objectives and acting as a sounding board for new ideas.
Executive coaches are not therapists or consultants and usually avoid giving advice or solving problems. Instead, they ask the right questions to help clients solve their own problems.
What Executive Coaches Do
Executive coaches provide a safe space for clients. They ask questions, provide resources, help achieve clarity, challenge assumptions with permission, offer advice. They often conduct and evaluate behavioural assessments, administer confidential interviews to help clients gain self-awareness and determine goals.
Executive Coaching: What to Expect
You will build confidence, achieve results and strengthen your performance through a combination of the following activities:
- One-on-One Meetings
- Assessments
- Developmental Activities
- Learning Assignments
- Feedback
- Progress Reviews
Typically, you and your Executive Coach will meet two to four times a month. This meeting can be virtual or face-to-face, depending on what works best for you. Executive Coaching can last anywhere from three months to twelve months or more.
The Confidentiality of Executive Coaching
Conversations between Executive Coaches and their clients are completely confidential. If a company is paying for the coaching services, they may receive feedback periodically, such as milestones achieved, but no other information is shared without the client’s permission.
How Executive Coaching Will Benefit You
- Determine goals and take action towards achieving them
- Become more self-aware and self-reliant
- Achieve more job and life satisfaction
- Take more accountability for actions
- Take more responsibility for commitments
- Contribute more effectively to the team and the company
- Work more efficiently and productively with others
- Communicate more effectively
An Executive Coach will play many different roles during the coaching process, such as sounding board, guide, strategist, manager and advisor. They will also help to expand your thinking, increase self-awareness and discover your true potential.
When Not to Hire an Executive Coach
There are some instances where Executive Coaching isn’t an ideal solution. Don’t hire an executive coach if:
- You don’t believe you need coaching, don’t believe you need to change or are not interested in feedback.
- You are looking for consulting, business advice or someone to solve your problem for you.
- Executive coaching is a last attempt to fix a feeble executive who is on their way out.
Are you interested in hiring an executive coach, but not sure what to expect? Book your free discovery session with Integrative Coaching today.