The field of executive coaching has grown exponentially over the last three decades, particularly in the last ten years. Initially, executive coaching was simply a loose term taken somewhat synonymously with mentoring, training and even general consultancy. Executive coaching accreditation was not even a consideration in the early days. However, in recent years there have been a number of programs and licencing organizations created in an attempt to clarify the disciple and create a profession.
There are no two executive coaches who work the same. Each and every accredited executive coach has their unique background and training, which serves their clientele.
Building Trust In The Coaching Relationship
The greatest executive coaches are excellent at building trust through empathy, knowledge and determination to assist their client no matter how challenging the issue may be. Building trust in the coaching relationship is essential to success. The more that the coaching client feels seen, heard and understood, the more powerful the end results will be for the client, their organization, (not to mention their improved productivity and communication with others). It is also important to note that a skilled coach will have assertiveness, tact and directness that gets to the heart of the issue at hand.
Keeping The End In Mind
An effective way to understand what executive coaching can accomplish is to reflect on what the end goal is. The success rate of those who have an end goal or intention insight has a far greater chance of course-correcting through the coaching relationship. Frankly, we do not know what we do not know. We can often get in our own way without realizing the consequences of our actions and choices. A great coach can intervene, thereby allowing their client to create self-awareness on their own, and greater improve how they interact with colleagues in the workplace.
An executive coach knows that every leader has the capacity and the tools within themselves to achieve their goals. The coaching relationship is the key to unlocking the greater potential and help remove any barriers that arise.
Note that executive coaching is far more than an accountability partner. A coach acts as a thinking partner with the client to ensure that the client archives their end goal.
Leadership Dilemmas
The coaching relationship can begin when leadership is facing a dilemma. Perhaps the leader feels out of options. The coach can step in and start navigating through the challenges in an empathetic coaching partnership – ultimately leading to the transformation of the organization.
Curiosity At Every Step
A great executive coach has a curious mind and superb oral communication skills. The coach will ask many questions to best understand the organizational issue, relational interactions and the client’s views of the situation. Powerful inquiring questions can unlock the friction points and shed light on the wisest path to success and growth for the client. The coach carefully monitors their own thoughts and actions in order to not be too directive or assumptive in their approach. The coach moderates themselves in order to not make the conversation about themselves, instead choosing what best serves their’s client’s needs and growth.
The Impact That Executive Coaching Can Make
The biggest impact that executive coaching can make is in the realm of employee engagement and the leader’s total capacity. Through coaching, the leader increases their ability to:
- Uncover the issue that is present
- Get clarity on what steps are needed to resolve the issue
- Moves swiftly to create change
- Finally acting with clear and effective communication ensuring greater organizational buy-in
Here is a list of the most frequently asked executive coaching questions.