The FAQs of Executive Coaching

When it comes to professional development, there are many options. But few are as genuinely personalized as executive coaching. When done well, executive coaching provides those in leadership the unique support they need to achieve their goals, capitalize on opportunities, and overcome their most pressing challenges.

In the following article, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding executive coaching so that you can decide if it’s truly the right option for you.

What Is Executive Coaching?

As the name suggests, executive coaching is when a qualified, professional coach provides personalized support to a leader in order to support their professional development. Once the goals of the coaching engagement are thoroughly defined and a timeline is established, a coach and the leader will meet one-on-one on an ongoing basis, either in person or virtually. 

What Does an Executive Coach Do?

The goal of an executive coach is to help leaders reach their professional goals, overcome ongoing struggles, and ultimately set them up for success in the future. So, what exactly will an executive coach do to make this happen? Executive coaches will:

• Give situational advice and guidance
• Act as a sounding board
• Provide unbiased, constructive feedback
• Assess and identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement
• Encourage self-awareness
• Help leaders create a personal development plan
• Provide motivation and encouragement
• Address blindspots and self-limiting beliefs and behaviors
• Navigate tough decisions and difficult conversations
• Hold leaders accountable for their goals
• Offer support during a professional transition

How Long Should Executive Coaching Last?

Executive coaching typically lasts between three and twelve months. The length of the engagement will be decided based on your professional goals, the complexity of your needs, your budget, and your availability.

What Are the Benefits of Executive Coaching?

Professional executive coaching can be hugely beneficial to leaders, and in turn, their employees. In fact, according to the Association of Talent Development, those benefits can include:

• Improved team performance
• Improved leadership communication skills
• Improved collaboration
• Improved self-awareness and empathy
• Improved team and company culture
• Improved coaching skills

What is the Cost of Executive Coaching?

The cost of coaching for executives will depend on several factors, such as your position and level of seniority, how experienced and qualified the coach is, and the length of the engagement. However, to give you an idea of the cost of executive coaching, Niagara Institute’s coaching packages for senior leaders range from $4,500 for three months to $14,000 for twelve months. 

What Should You Look for in an Executive Coach?

In order to get the most out of your investment in executive coaching, selecting the coach who best matches your unique needs is critical. To help you do so, we recommend considering the following factors in your search for an executive coach:

Education and accreditation 

One of the first things to look for in an executive coach is their education, training, and accreditations. For example, many of the coaches on Niagara Institute’s roster are accredited by the International Coaching Federation, which is considered “the gold standard in professional coaching.” That’s because this accreditation confirms that a coach has met specific standards and that they agree to adhere to strict ethical guidelines, both of which are essential to a successful executive coaching engagement.

Experience

In addition to the accreditations and training a coach has received, you should consider what real-world experience they have. Have they personally held a position in senior leadership? Have they worked in your industry or department before? Have they worked with clients in the past with similar goals and needs? If they have the experience you’re looking for, this will make it that much easier for them to understand you and make the coaching they provide relevant to your day-to-day life.

Approach

Every professional coach will have a slightly different approach depending on your goals, challenges, and experience. So, you want to ask about this as you select a coach to ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.

Personality

When selecting an executive coach, do not underestimate the importance of finding someone who is a personality match. So, before signing anything, ask to meet briefly with the coach(es) you are considering in order to get a feel for each other. You will know you’ve found the right match when the conversation flows freely and you feel like they would provide a safe and trusting safe where you can be honest and candid.