What’s the Big Deal About Executive Coaching? – May 22, 2019

I know so many people right now who are working with coaches and I couldn’t be happier. Not solely because I’m a coach, but because I have one too. I know exactly how profound the relationship can be when you’re willing to put in some good, hard work.

But don’t just take my word for it. According to the International Coach Federation’s (ICF) Global Coaching Client Report, the statistics are pretty staggering:

• 86% of companies earned back their investment in coaching

  
  

• 28% achieved an ROI of 10-49x their investment, and 19% achieved an ROI of 50x their investment

  
  

• 80% of clients reported improved confidence

  
  

• 73% of clients reported enhanced relationships

  
  

• 70% of clients reported better work performance

  
  

• 99% reported satisfaction with the coaching experience and 96% said that they would repeat it

  
  

The What and Why of Executive Coaching

According to the ICF, “Executive coaching is a personalized engagement between a leader and expert coach designed to produce behavioral and perceptual shifts that translate into both personal and organizational success.”

Coaching was once reserved for CEOs and other members of the C-suite.  Companies hired coaches to swoop in and rescue struggling employees in the hopes of turning bad situations around. Unfortunately, and as many of these corporations – and their employees – learned, that approach rarely worked. It’s hard to course correct when the damage is done.

The best time to bring in a coach, it turns out, is before the struggle begins: when an employee is at a career crossroads and needs help to identify what’s next for them, or could use the support and objectivity of an outside observer. Jeffrey E. Auerbach, Ph.D., MCC, refers to the coach as a “thought partner to help the client examine and develop his or her decision-making, experiment with new ways of thinking and being, and commit to action steps that help achieve the client’s goals.” At its best, executive coaching can help people to develop their potential, successfully transition into bigger and better roles, build confidence, and address derailing behaviors.

Who Needs Executive Coaching

Unfortunately, too many people believe that they’re not at a high enough level to warrant a coach. This misconception is a particular problem for women who, even at the director level, will often fail to think of themselves as an executive. I sometimes call myself a “leadership coach,” as opposed to an “executive coach,” because I want people to know that, yes, I work with many VPs and C-level executives, but I offer the same value to directors and high-potential managers.

That said, not everybody that I meet is coachable. Some people just aren’t coachable yet. The process requires a significant time commitment and the self-awareness to recognize that growth often requires outside help. Ideal coaching clients are life-long learners who see personal development as non-negotiable. For the process to be successful, they must:

• Be highly motivated to change and have a strong desire to learn and grow. They need to be curious!

  
  

• Choose a coach based on good chemistry, transparent coaching methodology, and their experience with the client’s particular goals.

  
  

• Be willing to commit. Positive coaching outcomes rely on the client’s willingness to invest their energy in the process actively.

  
  

So, are you curious?  If you want to learn more about coaching for you or your organization, I have a few new openings in my practice beginning in June.  Let’s schedule a leadership breakthrough session today! You can schedule here https://expansiveleadershipcoaching.com/breakthrough-session/,  email me at carol@expansiveleadershipcoaching.com or check out the benefits https://expansiveleadershipcoaching.com/testimonials/ that my past clients have received from coaching.

One last thing and this is important: the right coaching relationship is a powerful one, but it is a two-way street. Coaches co-create every aspect of the relationship with their clients. Chemistry is critical.  If we talk, and either of us decides that it’s not a compelling connection, I will be happy to work with you to find someone who will be the best coach for your needs.