What does an executive coach do?
Executive coaches (sometimes called performance coaches) are increasingly considered an essential part of professional development, for both corporate teams and individuals.
While things like team building activities, continuous education, mentorship from managers or HR initiatives can contribute to professional development, executive coaching is a more formal process that supports personal and professional growth to help reach peak performance.
So what does an executive coach actually do, and is it worth engaging one for you or your team?
Here we unpack some of the key questions you should know when considering engaging an executive coach.
Who do executive coaches work with?
Most executive coaches work with both individuals and teams, primarily in a corporate environment. In some instances, companies will hire executive coaches as a means to invest in high-potential employees or for specific teams. Alternatively, professionals can hire their own executive coach if their employer doesn’t provide such professional development support.
How do executive coaches help?
In the simplest terms, executive coaches help individuals and teams to perform at their peak. Executive coaches act as a sounding board, and provide guidance, support and advice. They work to identify problems and issues and seek to resolve these with their clients. They help individuals and teams identify performance-related goals, and monitor their progress to achieve those goals.
When do you engage an executive coach?
A common misconception is that an executive coach should only be engaged to address underperformance from a team or individual. In reality, this is rarely the case as most organisations engage a performance coach to help invest in or nurture high-potential employees or teams. Typically, individuals will engage a performance coach to help them secure a larger role, create greater work-life balance, find deeper meaning in their work, or transition into a new role.
What are the benefits of an executive coach?
There are a range of direct and indirect benefits to working with an executive coach. These will largely depend on the reasons why you’re engaging an executive coach. Is it to increase individual performance, for specific goal attainment, to create a high-performing team etc? A study by recruitment firm N2Growth of 100 executives, mostly of Fortune 1000 companies, found individuals and companies realised the following benefits after engaging an executive coach:
Improved productivity
Better quality work
Greater organizational strength
Better customer service
Reduced customer complaints
Greater staff retention
Cost reductions
Improved working relationships with clients, peers, direct reports and supervisors
Better teamwork
Greater job satisfaction
Less workplace conflict
Greater organisational commitment
How is confiding in an executive coach different from a manager/colleague?
Executive coaches are a true confidant and can give you unbiased feedback. Conversations with them are completely confidential, which give you peace of mind that your comments won’t be relayed to others. And as an external party, they can give you completely objective feedback, as opposed to colleagues who might be influenced by other factors.
How often/long do you meet with an executive coach?
This all depends on why you’re engaging an executive coach, what you want to achieve and if it’s in an individual or team environment. At Candour Coaching, we work with individuals and teams in a range of environments, including intensive programs, longer pre-defined timeframes as well as on an ongoing basis.
What to look for in an executive coach?
When deciding on an executive coach, it’s important to engage someone who aligns with you, and your organisation. Some executive coaches have a particular niche so make sure the fit is right. Ask them about their experience (have they worked with similar clients?), their methodology, and how they measure results? You should also look for positive client testimonials, case studies and media coverage as evidence they’re credible and will deliver on what they promise.
Find out more about executive coaching with Candour
Whether to support an individual or team in your organisation, or for your own professional development, the benefits of an executive coach are undeniable.
Our specialist coaches use researched, evidenced-based techniques to help individuals and teams reach peak performance.
Want to find out more?