Executive Coaches
are used to help individuals reach the next level of performance or correct
underperformance. Large companies often
invest heavily in coaching to support their top leaders. An effective executive coach provides individualized,
open, confidential, safe, and actionable advice. They can help you uncover blind spots, navigate
corporate politics or deal with tough management issues. A coach can also facilitate valuable feedback
loops from others in your organization and serve as a confidant or sounding
board for a leader who finds it “lonely at the top.”
An executive
coach is most useful when you are ready and willing to engage in tough
discussions, receive feedback and make changes. Finding the “right” coach is also very
important. When establishing fit consider
personality, chemistry, style, industry knowledge and your unique challenges. Ask classmates, peers and/or mentors for referrals
to coaches. There are numerous “certifications”
that have popped up to add credibility to the executive coaching industry
including ICF, PCC, and MCC but while they indicate an individual has had a
certain level of training, they don’t guarantee that the coach will be useful
to you. The bottom line is that you need
to know what kind of help you seek and then find someone who has experience in
that area, who comes recommended, who you
can respect and with whom you feel comfortable.
When engaging a
coach, be sure to have an initial consultation and to articulate your needs as
well as desired outcomes. Discuss rates
and arrangements up front so that you are in sync.
Resources:
NOTE: An executive coach is very different than an executive
recruiter. See the Executive
Search section for information about recruiters.