Question 1

What is executive coaching?

Accepted Answer

Executive coaching is a confidential, one-on-one partnership designed to help leaders maximize their potential.  Coaches work with executives and individuals to enhance their leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, improve decision-making, achieve specific career objectives, and manage any personal concerns that impact professional and personal satisfaction.

Question 2

How Do I Choose A Coach?

Accepted Answer

The coaching relationship is one built on mutual respect and trust.  You should work to find a coach that you feel fits with your needs and personality.  You might also want to consider looking for a coach that is ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified.  This shows that the coach has engaged in rigorous training and has passed an exam in order to earn their certification.

Most coaches will offer a 30-minute complimentary consultation to give you a chance to get an idea of how you two might be able to work together.  If you don't feel one coach is a fit most coaches will happily refer you to another coach who might work better for you.

Question 3

How is Executive Coaching Different From Therapy or Consulting?

Accepted Answer

Executive coaching sits in the here and now and focuses on professional development and future-oriented goals.  While concerns from a client's past may come up in the course of a coaching conversation it is not primarily focused on healing past trauma which is considered the domain of therapy.

Unlike consulting, where an expert provides solutions, coaching empowers you to discover your own answers through guided reflection and questioning. A skilled coach doesn't tell you what to do. They help you clarify your thinking, explore options, and develop strategies that align with your values and objectives.

Question 4

What Does a Typical Coaching Session Look Like?

Accepted Answer

Coaching engagements can run anywhere from 3-5 sessions or up to six months to one year.  Sessions are typically held every other week for 30, 45, or 60 minutes.  An initial 30-minute complimentary consultation call will help assess your goals and whether or not there's a good coaching fit.

Sessions will always focus on a topic that is top of mind for the client and the coach and client will collaborate together to help the client define an action plan that helps them address their current desires and challenges.

Each engagement is customized to the client's needs and schedule.

Question 5

How Much Does Coaching Cost?

Accepted Answer

Coaching costs vary based on the type of engagement.  For an individual looking for coaching sessions the range is approximately $200-$350 per hour.  For corporate engagements, which typically include a broad range of assessments and more structured work, pricing will depend on the scope of work needed.

Coaches will sometimes offer individual coaching on a sliding scale or pro bono basis depending on client needs.

To assess if coaching is right for you schedule a complimentary 30-minute call.

Question 6

Does Coaching Work?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  The International Coaching Federation reports the following increases due to executive coaching:

70% Increase in Individual Performance -  (Goal Attainment, Clearer Communication, Higher Satisfaction)

50% Increase in Team Performance - (Better Conversations, Improved Collaboration, Enhanced Work Performance)

48% Increase in Organizational Performance - (Increase in Revenue, Increase in Employee Retention, Customers as Advocates)

Frequently asked questions