What is an Executive Coach?

Part of being in the career hot seat is dealing with the ever-so-tenuous transition to management.

Whether right or wrong, most corporate career paths lead to a role in management. However, being prepared for that step up in responsibility can be tough; the move from player to coach is not a natural transition for most people. In fact, it can be slightly traumatizing, particularly when one is elevated to having responsibility over their longtime peers.

Companies are hoping to ease this transition by hiring executive coaches to work with newly-promoted managers. So, this begs the question: What exactly is an executive coach?

First it’s important to note that executive coaches don’t just work with executives per say. Most of those in the executive coaching profession tend to work across the management and executive ranks. Executive coaches typically focus on the issues that come with managing people.

New skills required of managers including evaluating performance, conducting tough conversations, dealing with conflict and motivating teams aren’t necessarily skills that come naturally. Part of the need for coaching is due to the standard for getting promoted in corporate America is being good at what you do, as opposed to having the requisite skills for leading others in doing what you do.     

Coaching is about “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”