Executive coaching is a powerful tool for developing high-performance leadership in organizations. It is a coach-centered approach that involves the executive coach and the participant on an equal footing, with the coach listening attentively to the participant's opinions and showing respect for their knowledge, perspective and position. Through this method, an executive coach can help create a framework for goals that will guide the participant to stay focused and on track, while also developing their vision of where they want to go. Before committing to an executive coach, it is important to set up an early meeting between the coach and the candidate to see if they are a good match. The reasons for involving coaches have changed over the past decade.
For CEOs, executive coaching focuses more on personal growth and legacy of leadership, while mid-level managers may need more practical guidance such as reflection on their management of team members and personal insight into their own approach to leadership. An effective executive coaching program must incorporate leadership development methods that provide feedback, training, mentoring, guidance, monitoring and evaluation that are linked to measurable results. This will help executives, whether they are high-level executives or junior team leaders, become more effective leaders. For those who accept executive coaching and strive to stay humble and challenge themselves to improve, while seeking new mentors and learning opportunities, it can make a big difference in their career path. It is important to remember that executive coaching is not a form of counseling or therapy, but rather a progressive, practical and structured learning method.
