We’re back once again with another jargon-busting article, this time focusing on executive coaching.
Whether you’re a senior leader within your organization or you are searching for ways to support your top team, an executive coach could be just what the doctor ordered.
Here, we will talk about what an executive coach is, how they differ from other types of coaching, and what to expect when you decide to work with an executive coach.
What an Executive Coach Does (And What They Don’t)
First off, let’s look at the role of an executive coach and what to expect if you do decide to invest in the services of one.
Recently, we have written several articles on the art of business coaching, explaining what it is and how it works.
Well, executive coaching is a little different. While both are forms of professional coaching designed to help you or your brand improve its performance, they do so in different ways.
For starters, executive coaches specialize in coaching senior executives, high-level managers, or top leadership, whereas a business coach can cover a broader range of clients.
So, if you are operating in a senior leadership role of some kind, executive coaching is designed to ensure you are getting the most out of your role, rather than, say, that of a coordinator or solo entrepreneur.
Executive coaches do this by diving into your role from both a personal and professional perspective, identifying and resolving any issues that are impacting leadership development, decision-making, and even career advancement.
So essentially, this form of coaching focuses a lot on the individual and getting the most out of them, which will have a knock-on effect for the rest of the business, whereas a business coach looks at a wider range of support, such as strategic planning, team development, or other business-related KPIs.
Don’t Skip: What Is a Business Coach?
Types of Executive Coaching
Although executive coaching is a specific niche of business coaching, there are different types.. Here are some of the most common types to consider for you, your team, or your business.
- 1:1 Leadership Coaching: Focused on enhancing leadership skills and self-awareness, this form of executive coaching is ideal if you recently moved into a management role and need a little help tackling the inevitable impostor syndrome that comes with such a move.
- 1:1 Career Coaching: Helps executives achieve career goals and personal development. This type of executive coaching is perfect if you feel that your business or career has stagnated (or you lost your job) and you need a little kick in the right direction to continue advancing your career.
- Management Team Coaching: Aims to improve team collaboration, communication, and dynamics, all vital elements of any up-and-coming ecommerce brand or startup, where resources are tight and maximizing your management team is crucial.
- Stress Management Coaching: Assists executives in managing stress and maintaining wellbeing, perfect if you’re buried under the weight of expectation or the seemingly never-ending to-do list.
Meet our executive business coach, Garie Dooley.
What to Expect
If you do decide to hire an executive coach, here are some of the things you can expect should the working relationship turn out to be a success.
- Personalized Guidance: A high-quality executive coach will offer tailored coaching sessions that address your specific leadership challenges and goals. Say goodbye to generic advice found in books and on courses, and say hello to tangible support designed specifically to support your needs.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: A great executive coach will offer detailed insight into your leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement, providing you with a clear understanding of where you excel and where your skills need to be refined.
- Improved Decision-Making: The best executive coaches will provide you with strategies to make more effective and informed decisions, helping drive your business, team, and colleagues forward with you.
- Enhanced Communication: Communication is key, and an executive coach will provide you with the skills to communicate with greater impact and influence.
When to Hire an Executive Coach
The ultimate aim of any individual who invests in an executive coach is to enhance their performance and effectiveness within their leadership role.
Whether you’re a marketing manager for a water aid charity or Darth Vader trying to keep the Death Star afloat, strong leadership can be the difference between success and failure. (Fortunately, there were no good executive coaches on the dark side.)
With that in mind, the best time to hire an executive coach is if you either find yourself in one of the leadership roles, and you know you could be doing your job more effectively, or you see room for improvement in your senior team that you are keen to address.
Remember, everyone needs help, no matter your job title. Having an outside perspective is always beneficial for whatever stage of your business.
Keep Learning: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Business Coach
How to Choose Your Perfect Executive Coach
Trying to find the perfect executive coach for your needs can be extremely tiresome. Not to mention how long it will take to find someone who may not even be right for you in the first place.
Don’t make the same mistakes as Darth Vader (in so many ways, but for the purpose of this article, regarding his leadership failures), and let us do the hard yards for you.
With foundr’s “fast & focused results” 1-on-1 ecommerce coaching program, you can get personalized coaching from a successful ecommerce entrepreneur who will help take your leadership skills to the next level.
#BeLessDarth
