Coaching is no longer considered as a remedial intervention for executive and leaders but as a powerful conduit for individual and team development.
It can help increase the effectiveness of leadership teams, assist business leaders to overcome obstacles, develop individual leadership styles and provide a confidential platform for leaders to discuss their challenges and navigate a way forward.
Executive coaching is a powerful and effective development tool for senior leaders (usually C-Suite level) in any business. Sessions are typically focused around challenging and supporting Executives to help themselves, and their business, to excel.
Coaching can also help an executive navigate different types of relationships, including direct reports, peers, senior leaders and professional relationships away from the boardroom.
What is the difference between leadership coaching and executive coaching?
The term ‘executive coaching’ is not to be confused with ‘leadership coaching’, as the two are a bit different.
Essentially leadership coaching, or leadership development, is a subset of executive coaching. It is aimed at employees at all levels (though usually those who have some line management responsibility) and typically involves working with line managers and equipping them with the skills they need to become leaders (opposed to simply ‘managers) – so for instance working on soft skills such as communication, compassion and empathy, teamwork, decision making, and so on.
How much should I pay for an executive coach?
Fees for executive coaching will vary depending on the following:
- If the sessions are conducted in person or online
- Where you are based
- If the sessions are individual or in a group
- The duration / intensity of the sessions
- How experienced / qualified your chosen coach is
One to one sessions which a credible coach may at first seem expensive, but the ROI gained in the long-term will make the initial investment seem like nothing.
How do you become an executive coach?
Executive coaching is a good career path for those who have a desire to help others develop and achieve long-term objectives.
There are many ways into becoming an executive coach, and no one set path. All paths generally require considerable experience plus a combination of education and skills.
First and foremost is experience. Having at least 10 years of experience in a leadership role before pursuing an executive coaching career can provide you with the necessary skills to be successful in this role.
To begin gaining leadership experience, you should try to take on tasks or projects that allow you to make plans and goals for an entire team. You should aspire to earn a high-level management or leadership role within your company to begin to develop your executive coaching qualities.
Through your experience you should try to develop your leadership skills (in addition to leadership experience), including problem solving, critical thinking, and teaching or imparting knowledge upon others.
Though executive coaches don’t necessarily need any specific certification to practice, many companies look to hire someone who does have a qualification. If you’re serious about becoming an executive coach, consider gaining a formal certificate or qualification.
Finally, to become a good executive coach you need to be prepared to be committed to your own continuing personal development. Think conferences, seminars, events and courses. Keep up to date with current thinking, and ensure you know the industry inside out.
What makes a good executive coach?
Some of the key skills and attributes that make a good executive coach include:
- Self-awareness
- Emotional intelligence
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Respect and empathy
- The ability and creativity to apply customized methodology
- Quick to learn/understand
- A passion for lifelong learning
In addition to all of this, an executive coach should ensure they have a solid understanding of how businesses and specifically the executive level operates. They should have good knowledge of how adults learn and develop.
Hunter Adams offers tailored executive coaching (as well as leadership and management development coaching), get in touch with us to find out more.