“You can’t stop negative thoughts from coming in, but you can make sure they leave
as quickly as they enter.”
― Nkem Mpamah, The Art of Achievement and Fulfillment: Fundamental Principles to Overcome Obstacles and Turn Dreams Into Reality!
For many people, the word coaching conjures up images of sipping cappuccino at a coffee shop while discussing your feelings about the latest episode of Game of Thrones. But executive coaching is far more sophisticated than that; it’s an intense form of leadership development that goes way beyond therapy or counseling to provide you with specific learning opportunities and tools to help you make your highest contribution at work.
This article will help you dispel fifteen of the most common myths about executive coaching so that you can become better educated and make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your business.
Myth #1: Executive coaches are glorified therapists who ask their clients to spill their guts about what makes them feel insecure at work.
Reality: Executive coaches work with you to develop the skills and tools you need to take more effective action – not simply talk about feelings. While there are many different approaches, coaching clients will typically identify the key areas where they’d like to improve their results in the workplace. Then an executive coach helps them create a plan of attack that includes concrete, specific steps such as researching industry trends, conducting a SWOT analysis, honing their ability to think strategically, and so on. An executive coach doesn’t just tell you what to do; he or she shows you how to do it by walking beside you step-by-step through the process, giving timely feedback along the way.
Myth #2: Executive coaching is too expensive, reserved for the very senior executives in the company.
Reality: Executive coaches are certified professionals who can help you succeed at any level of your organization – from founders and VPs to managers and frontline leaders. And since executive coaching focuses on your leadership, specific tools, and action steps you can use, you don’t necessarily need to be the most senior person in your company. Depending on the business’s budget, executive coaching is usually offered through a traditional benefits package and/or considered an employee benefit; it’s also increasingly offered as part of a development program for leaders who are already working with their managers.
Myth #3: Executive coaching is too time-consuming and only benefits people who are already successful.
Reality: Executive coaches can help you accomplish more in less time through learning to work smarter not harder so that you have more capacity to do everything else on your plate at work – whether it’s breaking new ground on a project or mentoring an up-and-coming leader. There’s a common misconception that executive coaching only works for superstars who already get it right, but the reality is that most people – even some of the world’s top leaders – need to learn how to work smarter and more effectively so they can make their highest contribution at work.
Myth #4: If I ask for executive coaching, I’ll be labeled as a “fixer” who needs to improve and, anyone with an issue can go to my coach for their problems.
Reality: Executive coaches don’t work as therapists; they work with leaders across the organization who have concrete goals that need to get done better. They’re especially effective at helping you solve problems and deal with challenges you encounter in day-to-day business, as well as assistance with specific situations like dealing with an employee who isn’t performing up to expectations or planning for a leadership transition.
Myth #5: Executive coaches are too soft – they won’t tell me how it is and, I don’t want someone telling me how to do my job.
Reality: Executive coaches are trained in helping leaders move beyond their fears and limiting ideas about what’s possible, so they can focus on achieving more at work. A good executive coach will hold you accountable for the goals you set during coaching sessions – not because he/she is harsh but because he/she believes in you and wants to help you achieve your highest potential.
Myth #6: Executive coaching is only for business leaders; I’m an individual contributor who has no time for that kind of thing.
Reality: Any frontline or middle manager who is actively engaged in leading others can benefit from executive coaching. Whether you’re a “doer” or a leader of other doers, everyone needs help dealing with challenges like working more effectively across departments, responding to difficult situations, improving performance on the job, and making better decisions.
Myth #7: You can’t learn how to be a better leader through executive coaching.
Reality: Executive coaching is about learning new skills and strategies for success, so it can help you develop the qualities of effective leadership that no one had ever taught you before – or helped you practice in a way that sticks.
Myth #8: The only people who could benefit from executive coaching are those who already have great leadership skills and just need to fine-tune them.
Reality: Executive coaching is about so much more than mentoring – it’s all about you and what you want to accomplish with your career. It can help you see areas in which you aren’t yet performing at your highest potential, as well as give you the tools to make a bigger impact on your organization and achieve results through your leadership.
Myth #9: Executive coaches are expensive, costing several thousand dollars per month.
Reality: Executive coaching isn’t usually offered through traditional benefits packages, but there are coaching options for leaders who don’t fit into the common mold. Many organizations have found creative solutions to offer access to coaching, including scholarships and financial aid through the nonprofit sector.
Myth #10: I can’t do it; I’ve tried executive coaching before, but it didn’t work for me.
Reality: No one responds well to being told they need executive coaching in a single session or even after just a few meetings – it’s not something you give up on at the first sign of trouble. But if you’re open to the concept and serious about growth in your role, executive coaching can be an invaluable tool for success.
Myth #11: Executive coaches are all alike; I’m sure they’re all out to make as much money as they can off of me.
Reality: Some executive coaches do have a set fee schedule based on the number of sessions per month, while others will charge you by the hour but are willing to work within your budget. A good coach should be ready to talk with you about pricing and how long you’re likely to benefit from coaching before you commit to it, and coach within your budget.
Myth #12: Executive coaches are “soft” on bad performers; they don’t want to confront the truth about people who aren’t doing their job correctly.
Reality: A good executive coach will give you the tools and perspective you need to recognize when someone is underperforming, and then support you in holding people accountable for the results they produce.
Myth #13: Executive coaching is only for line executives who report to someone else at work; it’s not useful if I’m my own boss or have no one above me to report to.
Reality: You can certainly benefit from executive coaching if you’re self-employed, and coaching can help you manage your time more efficiently, make better decisions about the direction of your business or organization, and cope with unexpected challenges.
Myth #14: Executive coaching is a quick fix that doesn’t produce lasting results. I’ll try it for six weeks but if it’s no good I’ll quit.
Reality: Executive coaching produces results that stick with you for years, influencing the way you make decisions and interact with others at work. It’s not a quick fix – it’s an ongoing partnership with your coach that helps you tap into your inner strengths and unlock your highest potential.
Myth #15: There are no barriers to entry in executive coaching; anyone can do it.
Reality: Executive coaching should be provided by professionals who have the training, experience, and resources to provide quality support for your personal growth. Be sure that you choose a certified coach – look for the CCE (Certified Coach Excellence) designation through The International Coach Federation, or the CCM (Certified Corporate Mentor) designation through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
Executive coaching is an investment in your future and your potential. The right coach can help you achieve results beyond what you have been able to accomplish on your own and make a bigger impact at work. It’s a long-term partnership that will pay off in terms of a lasting positive impact on your career and life.
If you’ve been wondering if executive coaching is right for you, we invite you to try it out – just one session will give you a preview of the experience and help your organization determine what’s in your best interest. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting with an Executive Coach and see how we can help you achieve more.