By Shelley Bridgman

Executive coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly is it and how can it benefit you as a leader and your organization?

In this blog post, we will explore the world of executive coaching, its origins, and the various ways it can positively affect your professional journey.

An Introduction to Executive Coaching

While executive coaching seems to have been around forever, it gained prominence in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of leadership development experts, such as Dr Vicki Halsey and Dr Warren Bennis. These scholars recognized the unique needs of leaders in the corporate world and beyond, paving the way for the growth of executive coaching.

Sir John Whitmore, often credited with bringing executive coaching into the corporate world, played a significant role in its expansion. His book "Coaching for Performance" introduced the influential GROW model, which is widely used today. It's hard to find a coaching course that doesn't recommend this book, highlighting its impact and importance.

The Loneliness of Leadership

Life at the top can often be a lonely pursuit. As a leader, you face many challenges and responsibilities that can take a toll on your well-being and performance. However, executive coaching is not only limited to leaders. It can be equally beneficial for other senior executives. 

What Can an Executive Coach do for you?

The answer to this question lies in a mutual agreement and agenda setting between the coach and the client. Executive coaching can be categorized into four main areas:

Breaking Boundaries and Embracing Flexibility

While textbooks may define coaching in rigid terms, it's important to recognize that a skilled executive coach can play multiple roles depending on the situation. For example, a coach can be a mentor, drawing from their own experiences and providing guidance and support based on their professional journey. They can also help remove psychological barriers, much like an experienced psychotherapist.

One of the joys of being an executive coach is the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of clients. This includes conducting analysis, diagnostics, assessments, forward planning, and goal setting. However, it also requires flexibility to address the psychological and emotional aspects that may otherwise hinder progress.

The coach works to increase clients' mental well-being through self-awareness, emotion management, and coping strategies. It requires a deep understanding of the client's needs and a tailored approach to their unique challenges.

In Conclusion…

Executive coaching encompasses various areas, including leadership, performance, skill development, executive development, and organizational coaching. The specific approach and coaching model will depend on the objectives and the coach's expertise. By engaging in executive coaching, leaders and senior executives can unlock their full potential, enhance their effectiveness, and drive positive change within themselves and their organizations.

If you're considering executive coaching, take the time to find a coach who aligns with your goals, values, and industry experience. The journey towards becoming the best version of yourself starts with a supportive partnership that empowers you to achieve greatness.

Shelley Bridgman.

Engagement & Outreach Lead/Executive Coach-Origin Leadership Consulting. www.originlc.com

Shelley Bridgman is a Speaker, Coach, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Trainer, & Author, based in the UK. She has become a media commentator specializing in psychotherapy psychology, and Change with appearances on BBC Television, Sky Television, and Channels 4.

She has a Masters Degree in Psychotherapy, is an accredited Coach, a Certified Hypnotherapist, Master NLP practitioner, and has over 30 years of experience working with Individuals and groups… (read more).

To see Shelley in action and to hear how her story changed the laws in 17 countries, check out her TEDX talk “Dare to be You”.