12 Reasons Professionals and Executives Visit an Executive Coach

Have you been thinking of seeing an executive coach, but not sure whether it is for you?

You have seen athletes working with coaches, artists working with mentors, students being supported by teachers and writers having editors? People who are wishing to learn and grow often seek guidance, wisdom and support from experienced coaches. If you are open to support, a coach can support you in a similar way to the Chinese Proverb –

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

In this post I am going to explore –

• What is Executive Coaching?
• What Executive Coaching is NOT!
• Is There Any Research on Coaching?
• 12 Reasons Professionals and Executives Visit an Executive Coach

Let’s get started…

What is Coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) refers to coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” Coaching recognises the client as the expert in their own world (personal and professional) and knows every person is creative, resourceful, and whole.

Basically the coaching process is about identifying where you are now, where you would like to be and then close that gap. The coach does this through –

• discovering, clarifying, and aligning with where the client wants to be,
• encouraging self-discovery and trust within themselves,
• eliciting client-generated solutions and strategies,
• keeping the client accountable and ensuring they are taking responsibility for themselves
• providing support to the client.

What Coaching is NOT!

Coaching is not –

• a quick-fix, one size fits all approach for your current challenges (as we are all unique),
• therapy or counseling (please seek a licensed medical professional if this is what you need),
• about giving you advice (you are the expert in your own life),
• financial advising or estate planning (again please seek a licensed practitioner if this is what you require).

You can see more about what coaching is and is not in the following video –

Is There Any Research on Coaching?

There are numerous studies and evidence being gathered on coaching throughout the world. However, like anything your own individual experience is important and can be the best guide. Following are some studies that have been conducted recently that I am aware of.

The 2012 International Coach Federation (ICF) Global Coaching Study, that was conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers received more than 12000 responses from across 117 countries. This study proves that coaching is a real global profession and estimates that there are 47,500 practising coaches. Across the globe coaching is generating US$2billion in annual revenue/income.

In 2010, the ICF commissioned Pricewaterhouse Coopers International Survey Unit (ISU) to independently conduct the Global Consumer Awareness Study. The study surveyed 15,000 people, aged 25 and up, from 20 countries located throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Here are some of the finding from the Global Awareness Consumer Study:

Why are people involved in a coaching relationship?

• 42.6% said to “optimize individual and/or team performance”,
• 38.8% indicated “expand professional career opportunities”,
• 36.1% “improve business management strategies”.
• Other more personal motivations like “increase self-esteem/self-confidence” and “manage work/life balance” rated fourth and fifth to round out the top five motivation areas.

How satisfied are those who have been coached?

12 Reasons Professionals and Executives Visit an Executive Coach

There are many reasons professionals and executives choose to visit an executive coach. Some reasons include, you –

1. Want to take your leadership influence to the next level – have a desire to learn and grow in alignment with your own values and skills? Know it is time to start expanding your leadership influence?
2. Are ready to grow and increase self-confidence – do you doubt yourself or trust other people more than yourself? Or sick of fear holding you back and want to develop faith and trust?
3. Want to focus on your work/life balance – do you put other people’s needs before your own, are continuously running out of time to fit in your priorities or overcommit yourself?
4. Are ready to make a career transition – have you dreamed of changing jobs, expanding your career opportunities or turning your passion in to a full-time position?
5. Are ready to simplify and declutter your personal and/or professional life – do you feel as though your paperwork and e-mails are out of control? Or are you running out of time and missing out on the essential things in your life? Is it time to develop some systems and processes, so you have time for those important things in your life?
6. Is it time to become more accountable to yourself – are you over making excuses and ready to overcome procrastination so you can fulfil your dreams and potential?
7. Would like to develop greater self-knowledge – ready to get to get to know yourself better? Get to know your strengths and purpose? Take inspired action, do what you love and BE who you truly are?
8. Want to gain clarity in your personal or professional life – are you confused about your dreams or purpose in life? Or maybe you like to clarify your values and vision?
9. Are you continuously sabotaging yourself – do you have unfinished projects, spend more money than your earn or undervaluing yourself?
10. Would like some help to achieve your dreams and goals – are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life or need some support making an important decision?
11. Would like to develop self-acceptance, self-care and self-compassion – do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake? Feel stressed and would like to learn to meditate and be mindful? Are you continually pushing yourself and burning the candles at both end? Or is trying to be perfect stopping you from trying something new?
12. Want to learn, grow and stretch beyond your comfort zone – feeling like your life is on auto-pilot or ready to undertake a change and want some support?

So there you have it, 12 reasons why professionals and executives would visit an executive coach. Have I forgotten any? If so, please feel free to share your insights below.

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?