What is Executive Coaching?

Executive coaching is motivation training that is aimed at helping corporate executives enhance their effectiveness in the workplace. The process of coaching executives usually involves elements of continuing education, exposure to many different ideas and philosophies regarding the proper management of a business, and concepts on how to retain enthusiasm for the work at hand and thus enjoy a high level of personal satisfaction with the chosen career. People with strong teaching and motivational skills often do very well with an executive coaching career.

To be effective in the field of executive coaching, it is important for the coaching professional to have excellent organizational skills, the ability to articulate information in a manner that students can grasp, and a great deal of enthusiasm for the subject matter. While not always required, obtaining executive coaching certification from a recognized and accredited continuing education entity is often necessary to attract clients. In addition, going through executive coaching training with an accredited program often makes it possible to offer that same course to others and award certification to those that successfully complete the program.

An executive coach may choose to work one-on-one with an individual, or conduct workshops and seminars with larger groups of executives. When working with an individual client, the coach will normally tailor the subject matter to fit the particulars of the executive’s work responsibilities. For example, a coach that takes on an assignment with a Chief Financial Officer will focus on such skills as how to effectively communicate with employees involved in maintaining the accounting and financial records of the business. At the same time, the coaching may also include instruction on how to present financial data to other company executives in a concise and professional manner.

Executive coaching may also take place in a group setting. The group may consist of executives associated with the same company, or be composed of executives that are all part of the same industry. In some cases, the coaching may be offered to members of a professional group, such as an association or a local chamber of commerce. With each instance, the coach is responsible for finding ways to convey the information in a manner that will resonate with the registered attendees of the seminar or workshop.

Executive coaching jobs may call for the coach to offer several sessions to an individual or a group. The time can be structured into sessions over the course of a weekend or even an entire week. Executive coaching can take place at a work site or be part of the activities offered at a convention or conference. The format for the sessions will often depend on the scope of the subject matter, the size of the group, and how much time has been set aside for the coaching.

Along with offering courses that motivate and inform executives, the work of executive coaching can also include offering guidance and inspiration to an executive over an extended period of time. This type of personal coaching is especially helpful when the executive is still developing his or her skills in a new position, or is facing challenges that are beyond the normal job related activities. With all types of executive coaching, the costs may be in the form of a set fee or be billed on an hourly basis.