Does Executive Coaching Work?

Is Executive Coaching a trend, a perk, or just a way for CEO's and other executives to handle their under performing leaders? This is an interesting question often asked when I speak to leaders around the globe. The truth of it all is that most CEO's and executives are quite lonely in their role as it often is at the top. They are responsible for setting the strategy, developing engagement/motivation plans and ensuring their team/company is positively moving their agenda forward (even when there are different views across the business).  

Having a coach on your side is a way to create developed and supportive thinking that is tested in a judgement free, confidential and positive environment. This is statistically proven to help achieve greater results and stronger business strategies or to help executives stay focused with the challenge at hand. Other benefits include gaining stronger perspectives, making decisions faster, and a space for you to hear your own voice. It also helps you gain a perspective or feedback that your team might be not be comfortable or willing to share with you.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt says the best advice he ever got was to get a coach. How can one argue with statement like that, which is why some of most successful CEO's have strong mentors or coaches that help them escape from the haze of day to day business.

As a global HR executive I have coached and advised CEO’s and other executives. These relationships came from a place that was judgement free and honest. I saw first hand how a relationship of this kind can lead to more effective coaching that ultimately leads to the achievement of better results.