FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about Executive Coaching (what it is and isn’t), how it works, and the ways Patience can support you. If you don’t see your question answered here, just reach out to Patience anytime!
Executive Coaching...What is it?
Executive coaching is a one-on-one, high-impact collaboration between a skilled coach and a high-achieving person (coachee). Rather than providing direct advice, the qualified coach takes an impartial and nonjudgmental attitude while working with the client in a thought-provoking and creative process. This approach enables the coachee to draw on their own resources, while the qualified coach assists them in defining and achieving specific professional or company goals through strategic planning. Today, executive coaching is largely acknowledged as a critical differentiator for developing leadership, increasing productivity, and improving overall life satisfaction.
How does Executive Coaching work?
Executive coaching works through regular one-on-one sessions between a qualified coach and a coachee. Typically, the process begins with an assessment and goal-setting. The coach then uses personalized strategies and powerful questions to assist the client in gaining insights, leveraging hidden potential, and overcoming challenges. Through consistent feedback and deep reflection, you discover your strengths, weaknesses, how you operate, what moves you, what needs to change and what gives you meaning. Together, you and your coach create a clear action plan based on your strengths and areas for growth, allowing you to tackle particular challenges and track your progress over time.
What kind of coach are you?
I am a specialized ontological and generative coach. This means during my coaching sessions I focus on how my coachees are being, rather than only strategizing on what they are doing. I help you uncover what’s holding you back and unlock your creative potential. By aligning these two approaches, profound change happens, enabling you to maximize your full potential and achieve meaningful goals.
Who do you coach?
I work with a varied range of leaders and professionals including executives, mid-career professionals, high-achieving individuals, entrepreneurs, managers and emerging talent from diverse industries.
What are the benefits of Executive Coaching?
Executive coaching offers a wide range of benefits. It can enhance your leadership skills, improve decision-making, and boost self-awareness. You’ll also see better communication and interpersonal skills, such as increased self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. Additionally, coaching helps you gain clarity on obstacles and goals to achieve your career objectives and personal growth, while also supporting you in navigating organizational challenges and change management more effectively.
How long does executive coaching typically last?
The duration of coaching engagements varies depending on the individual’s needs and objectives. Generally, engagements last between 6 to 12 months, though some may be shorter or extend longer based on progress and evolving goals.
Can executive coaching benefit experienced leaders?
Absolutely. Even seasoned leaders can gain fresh perspectives, refine strategic thinking, and overcome new challenges through executive coaching. It’s a valuable tool for continuous professional development and adapting to changing business landscapes.
Absolutely. Growth and change are essential parts of life, and the path to success isn’t always linear. Even experienced leaders can benefit from executive coaching. For seasoned professionals, coaching offers a fresh perspective and a safe space to clarify leadership practices. It allows you to reflect on your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and boost self-awareness and strategic decision-making. Additionally, coaching helps you navigate complex organizational changes and improve interpersonal dynamics.
How can organizations benefit from offering executive coaching to their leaders?
Organizations benefit from offering executive coaching to their leaders in several meaningful ways. While measurable outcomes like improved decision-making and strategic execution are crucial, the intangible benefits are just as valuable. By incorporating coaching into leadership development programs, companies can:
- Develop Stronger Leaders: Cultivate more effective and resilient leadership.
- Enhance Performance: Boost decision-making and strategic execution.
- Foster Cultural Growth: Encourage continuous improvement, innovation, and greater alignment with the company’s vision.
- Support Succession Planning: Prepare future leaders to take on higher responsibilities.
Is executive coaching confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental element of executive coaching and is maintained in accordance with ICF and EMCC ethical guidelines.
All discussions, assessments, and personal insights shared during sessions are kept strictly confidential, ensuring a safe and trusting environment for open dialogue. In line with the ICF code of ethics, an executive coach will only break confidentiality if there is an imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others.
Do you offer in-person or virtual coaching? Is virtual coaching effective?
I offer both. For one-on-one sessions, I provide coaching virtually via Zoom or Teams, as well as in-person or hybrid formats. Virtual coaching is just as effective as in-person sessions; It provides the same personalized support and interaction as in-person sessions, with the added benefits of flexibility and accessibility for busy professionals.
How is executive coaching different from mentoring, therapy, and consulting?
Executive coaching differs from mentoring, therapy, and consulting in several key ways.
Therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating personal psychological issues rooted in the past, while mentoring involves experienced individuals offering advice based on their own journeys. Consulting, on the other hand, provides expert advice and predetermined solutions to address specific business challenges, typically with a focus on future strategies. I n contrast, executive coaching is a forward-looking, action-oriented process that centers on the present. Coaches view clients as already possessing the necessary potential and insights; instead of offering direct solutions, they facilitate self-discovery by helping clients uncover blind spots, build awareness, and unlock their innate resources. The ultimate goal is to guide clients through a developmental process that enhances leadership, professional growth, personal growth, performance, and the achievement of career-related objectives.
If the coach isn’t familiar with my work and life, how can they help me?
A skilled coach uses powerful questions, reflective exercises, and a structured framework to help you uncover insights and strategies that are uniquely yours. Even without prior experience in your specific industry or personal context, the coaching process is designed to empower you to develop your own solutions and reach your goals.
Do companies pay you for coachingor do clients?
Many organizations recognize the significant return on investment that executive coaching offers, so they often sponsor coaching sessions for their key and emerging leaders as part of their leadership development strategies. At the same time, I also work with individual clients who choose to invest in their own growth by hiring me directly. This flexible approach means that both companies and individuals can benefit from my services.
What is the cost of Executive coaching?
The cost of Executive coaching varies depending on several factors, such as the type and duration of the coaching engagement you choose, your specific goals and circumstances, and whether the coaching is sponsored by your organization or you’re investing in it on your own.
How do I know if it is the right time for me to be coached?
If you feel that executive coaching might benefit you, ask yourself whether you’re ready to fully commit to the process. Coaching demands time, effort, and a willingness to reflect deeply on what you learn in each session. It often means examining and challenging your habitual ways of thinking and behaving, which can be uncomfortable. While your executive coach will support you along the way, you must be prepared to try new ideas, step outside your comfort zone, and take responsibility for your own growth. This journey may also require you to move beyond shifting blame to others or your organization and to release any past resentments that may be holding you back in achieving you full potential and performing at your best.
How can I measure the effectiveness of coaching?
Measuring the effectiveness of coaching begins with setting G.R.O.W. and S.M.A.R.T. objectives at the start of our contract. Progress is tracked through various methods, including goal achievement, feedback from peers, direct reports, and supervisors, as well as monitoring changes in key performance indicators. Self-assessments and observable behavioral changes offer additional insights, and regular check-ins with your coach (and your sponsor, if applicable) ensure you remain on track. Ultimately, the true measure of my executive coaching sessions is the tangible progress you make on the issues you set out to address, along with the overall impact on your growth; A change you will undoubtedly feel.
