Frequently asked questions: Executive Coaching

Q1:  What does a professional executive coach do?

An executive coach is a professional who works with individuals in leadership positions to help them improve their performance and achieve their goals. An executive coach may also provide feedback, advice, and guidance to help the individual overcome any challenges they may be facing and make progress towards their goals. The coach acts as a mentor, sounding board, and accountability partner to the individual, providing an objective perspective, helping the individual to gain clarity, and keeping them focused on their goals.

Q2: Who is best helped (served) by a professional executive coach?

Executive coaches are typically best suited for high-level executives, managers, and leaders who are looking to improve their leadership and management skills, as well as improve their overall effectiveness in the workplace. The executive coach can help these individuals to set and achieve goals, overcome challenges, and develop the skills and strategies they need to be successful in their roles.

Executive coaching can also be beneficial for individuals who are looking to make a career transition, or who are facing specific performance-related issues.

Q3: Which situations call for the support of a professional executive coach (and when would coaching be the most effective?)

• Leadership development:
  • helping individuals develop the skills and abilities they need to be effective leaders, such as communication, decision-making, strategic thinking, and time management.
• Goal setting and achievement:
  • working with individuals to set and achieve specific, measurable goals, both in their professional and personal lives.
• Confidence and assertiveness:
  • helping individuals become more confident and assertive in their interactions with others, both within and outside of their organizations.
• Stress and time management:
  • assisting leaders to balance multiple responsibilities, manage stress and ensure they are utilizing time efficiently.
• Team building and management:
  • helping individuals work more effectively with their teams, and improve the overall performance of their teams.
• Communication and negotiation:
  • Improving the way a leader communicates with their team, colleagues and stakeholders and enhancing negotiation abilities.

Q4: How long does it take before executive coaching shows results -for the individual (and for the organization, as well)?

The length of time it takes for you, as the individual receiving executive coaching, to produce results can vary depending upon a number of factors; such as the specific goals and objectives of the coaching engagement – why you came to coaching in the first place. Also, the individual’s level of engagement and commitment play a key role in how effective coaching will be. Not to forget, that the complexity of the issues that are being addressed will also have a defining role in determining the success of the coaching engagement.
In general, it can take several months for an individual to begin seeing significant improvements as a result of executive coaching. However, some individuals may begin to see improvements in as little as a few sessions, often building upon those small wins to create bigger ones! And while others may take longer to see the full benefits of coaching, it’s also important to note that the coaching process is not a one-time event but rather a ongoing process. Remember: executive coaching is all about developing behavior change, so that results and skills acquired through coaching are sustainable.

Q5: How much does professional executive coaching cost?

The cost of executive coaching can vary widely, as this depends on a number of factors, such as the coach’s experience and qualifications, the client and the coach’s location, and length of the coaching sessions. Also, the type and frequency of coaching services offered has an influence on the cost.

You can find executive coaching offers from US$150 to €uro 1000 or more per hour. Some coaches may also offer package rates for a certain number of sessions – which can range from $3000 to $15000 or more.

Often, organizations choose to contract coaching services in bulk and to then pay a flat fee for a certain number of coaching sessions for their employees. This option makes particular good sense for organizations that are undergoing change at a larger scale – such as for mergers and acquisitions; restructuring or senior leadership changes.

It’s worth noting that while cost may be a consideration, it should not be the only factor when choosing a coach! It is more important that you select a coach who has the right qualifications and experience to meet your needs, that it is someone that you trust to be able to help you achieve your goals. Confidentiality, authenticity, and professional coaching skills are the basic requirements you should be looking for in your coach; with an executive coach, an understanding of your markets and your personal professional challenges are the criteria points that you, as someone searching for an executive coaching, should be focusing on, too.