Executive Coaching

Brandon Wells, MS, LPCMilwaukee Counseling Services

What is Executive Coaching, and how can it help?

Executive coaching is the art of improving performance in self and others, from defining performance goals to implementing action steps to the synthesis of feedback. Coaching is not psychotherapy or based on symptomatology. Instead, coaching relies on collaboration between coach and client to develop unique sets of improvement benchmarks to enhance overall achievement. Areas such as emotional and social intelligence may be addressed in the session. We focus on:

interviewing
salary negotiation
navigating office politics
managing difficult co-workers, subordinates, or leadership.

What is the difference between a life coach and an executive coach?

Both a life coach and an executive coach guide or facilitate the client in meeting specific goals. However, the executive coach considers the organizational culture and business climate. It is not just the client to consider when making a plan. It is also vital to look at the work environment. Some work environments encourage feedback and understand that it is necessary for success. Other organizations may state that feedback is welcome; they may not want it. Your executive coach will guide you with communication tools that may make hearing feedback easier in these situations.

What is the difference between business and executive coaching?

The main difference is that executive coaching focuses on the individual, while business coaching focuses on strategy. Business coaching improves procedures and suggests solutions to current problems. Executive coaching helps the individual improve processes and solve problems. Therefore, business coaching works best for small businesses owners.

What is the difference between an executive coach and a mentor?

An Executive Coach is NOT a Mentor.

A mentor is an entirely different role. First, typically you do not pay for a mentor's time. This is not always the case, but generally speaking, a mentor chooses to help. A mentor's expertise and experience surpass that of their mentee. It is not a relationship between equals. There is a clear difference in their experience levels. Mentors often share stories and their experiences of getting to where they are in their careers. They may also introduce mentees to their network of contacts. Finally, mentors provide guidance and advice.

How to choose the right executive coach?

This is a fundamental question because you are investing your time and money (or company's). You will want to know if you are a good fit and if they are somewhat similar in your values. Here are a few essential questions to ask during your initial consult.

How did you become a coach? Unfortunately, there are many people calling themselves a coach. Some coaches start coaching without any actual knowledge or experience. You don't need any certificate to call yourself a coach. If a coach has a certificate, it can mean they took a class for a few hours or have been educating themselves for years. The benefit of working with a Shoreside Therapies executive coach is that you know we have been in business for 20 years and the education expectations in our field are high.
What happens in a typical coaching session? It will help you feel prepared before each session if you know what to expect. An executive coach typically has a particular outline or flow of the session.
How do you measure the impact of your coaching? Some coaches use feedback after each session. Other coaches use specialized assessments. Some coaches don't measure it at all. There should be some form of measurement, but it does not need to be formal. You should feel the difference as well as see the difference. Make sure to ask your executive coach about how they measure their impact.

Will my company pay for executive coaching?

Often companies are investing in their employees and will not only pay for executive coaching but will encourage ongoing participation to advance and thrive. In addition, many clients find the tools and skill sets learned invaluable for their personal growth to motivate, retain, and enhance direct reports.

Brandon Wells, MS, LPC, CCC, is a certified corporate consultant and uniquely trained to address all issues related to executive coaching.

Laurie Groh, MS, LPC SAS has been helping small business owners in their work relationships for over 10 years. She has also helped therapist leave bigger organizations to start their own private practice. She has also helped numerous small business owners get more of their time back as well as increasing their revenue. She also has been featured on popular private practice podcasts, such as: