What is executive coaching?

Executive coaching is about elevating a good employee to a great employee. It is a form of professional development in which an experienced person, the coach, supports a client in identifying and achieving specific professional goals. Through consistent, ongoing conversations and guidance, a coach will help their client outline a path to succeeding in their career, learn productively, unlearn counterproductive habits, and accomplish their professional goals with confidence and support.

How do I choose a great coach?

Choose your coach based on their experience, credentials, and most importantly, the connection you feel in talking and working with them. This relationship requires honest conversations. You deserve to feel comfortable being your authentic self!

How long does someone work with an executive coach?

Coaching is about creating a transformation. For this to happen, it requires changing behavior, which takes time and practice. I encourage my clients to make a coaching commitment of at least six months to see lasting behavior changes.

Will my company pay for coaching?

Coaching is more popular than ever! In 2019, The Wall Street Journal wrote, “coaching is one of the most desired millennial perks.” In earlier times, coaching was reserved for senior team members or employees with performance issues. Today companies with contemporary leaders see the enormous benefit in coaching at ALL professional levels. Many successful companies now have in-house coaches for their employees, including Google. So yes, companies will often pay for coaches. They help keep employees happy and more engaged with their work and are an asset for anyone projected to be on the “fast track” for senior roles.

What do coaches charge?

Many coaches, including myself, don’t have a set fee as every client situation is different. Some clients are looking for short-term coaching on a specific issue, while others want an ongoing coaching relationship. Also, some clients’ fees are paid by their companies which requires coordinating with stakeholders (management/HR/staff) and have additional requirements like formally approved development plans, 360 interviews, contracts, and billing. All of these require extra time, increasing the cost of the engagement. I encourage you to be clear about what you want to achieve with coaching and ask for a proposal from your prospective coach, including projected pricing. How else would you confirm that you are on the same page about your needs? If the fees are more than you can afford, it’s always worthwhile to ask the coach for other options. You may be surprised! Often, coaches have a digital version of their packages and group coaching options.

I would like coaching; is there a less expensive option than one-on-one help?

Companies often hire coaches to host group coaching sessions for their employees. You could speak with your HR group about potentially doing this for your department or company. Also, there are companies offering video streaming content for your professional development needs. Companies pay a monthly subscription to services such as Tone Networks.

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