How Executive Coaching gives business leaders the tools to thrive

How executive coaching gives business leaders the tools to thrive

Top performers across various fields invest in private coaching to gain an edge, hone skills and grow. So why don’t more business leaders get executive coaching to achieve long-term success?

I’m sure not all leaders genuinely understand the positive impact executive coaching can have on their overall development and performance as leaders. Others assume that with already busy schedules, regular coaching sessions will only make them more time-starved. Some worry about the costs of executive coaching. One of the most significant barriers, in my opinion, is the belief that hiring a coach is a sign of appearing incompetent, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Having spent 25 years coaching, I’ve seen firsthand that leaders and executives who invest in themselves are more likely to achieve long-lasting career success and maintain a balanced life.

Now let’s delve into the benefits of coaching:

Enhancing emotional intelligence (EI)

Emotional intelligence matters. It’s the common trait most successful leaders share.

While most leaders believe they are strong communicators, engaging on a deeper level requires refined emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

That’s where coaching can help you better understand your emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Without feedback and assessment from a coach, it’s hard for leaders to think critically about, “Am I leading with empathy? Am I self-regulated? What are my interpersonal skills like?” Emotional intelligence matters. It’s the common trait most successful leaders share.

Sharing in a safe place

For many clients, having an executive coach gives them something they don’t have at the office: a safe place to share and be vulnerable – to shed their armour – without fear of judgment.

Coaches aren’t on their team or board of directors, and they are not spouses or partners.

Because clients’ decisions don’t personally affect a coach, they bring objectivity to questions or doubts they grapple with at work. For executive coaches, their client’s well-being and growth are the primary concern.

 Gaining confidence

Confident leaders make better decisions. Executive coaching gives leaders confidence in their abilities, and one-on-one work outside the organization also allows them to process problems more quickly by helping them see the issue objectively and see where their background and mindset may be getting in the way.

A bonus of  executive coaching is that you become a better coach to the team you manage.

Also, considering that most leadership executive and leadership coaching clients talk about improvements of 25 to 40% in their effectiveness, it's a really high ROI if you have the right coach and approach.

Balancing two worlds 

The most gratifying part of my job is helping a client achieve a sustainable work-life balance.

That means less stress and more joy, which, in turn, directly impacts their colleagues, company culture, families and friends.

Managing a true work-life balance remains elusive for most leaders. Regardless of market conditions or the economy, they must continually be top performers. Their after-work schedules are equally hectic: umpiring Little League games, attending dance recitals and enjoying the occasional date night, to name a few. But a supportive and insightful coach can help you navigate both roles you play.

Growing your game

It’s been my experience that the difficult conversations between coach and client are where the real growth occurs.

When you are at the top of an organization there aren’t many people that will call out your BS. I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way. I remember the first time this unabashed truth-telling happened to me with a coach. It felt a bit like a stomach punch, but I also felt like there was a hand on my back at the same time. The coach essentially said, “I see you, and I’m here to support you.”

Who will tell you the truth or hold up the mirror to you?